After a hard-fought battle that lasted for months, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has finally reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on a new three-year contract. This landmark deal, valued at over $1 billion, marks a significant victory for the union and its members, securing substantial gains in wages, benefits, and protections for the actors who bring our favorite films and television shows to life.
A streaming participation bonus: This bonus will be paid to actors who work on projects that are streamed online, recognizing the growing importance of streaming services in the entertainment industry.
“Above pattern” minimum compensation increases: This means that actors will receive minimum wage increases that are higher than the increases received by other unions in the industry. This is a major victory for SAG-AFTRA, as it will ensure that actors are fairly compensated for their work.
Substantial increases for pension & health caps: These increases will help to ensure that actors have access to retirement and healthcare benefits, even as the cost of living continues to rise.
Pay increases for background actors: Background actors are often the unsung heroes of Hollywood, and they often receive very low pay. This deal will provide them with a much-needed pay increase.
Contract provisions protecting diverse communities: The deal includes a number of provisions that will help to protect actors from discrimination, including provisions that address sexual harassment, bullying, and ageism.
Overall, the new SAG-AFTRA contract marks a pivotal moment for the union and its members. It represents a resounding victory that will have a lasting impact on the lives and careers of performers across the industry. By securing higher wages, improved benefits, and stronger protections, the union has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advocating for the well-being and success of its members.
THE #SagAftraStrike IS OVER.
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) November 9, 2023
🧵 Thread below. pic.twitter.com/KDTl9uKBRt
SAG-AFTRA AND WGA Strike: Summary
In the heart of Hollywood, where dreams are made and stories come to life, a battle was brewing between two powerful unions and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). In May 2023, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike, followed by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) in July. This marked the first time since 1960 that both unions had simultaneously taken a stand against the AMPTP, sparking a strike that would ripple through the entertainment industry.
The Roots of Discontent
The strike was fueled by a long-simmering frustration among writers and actors over pay and working conditions in the streaming era. The unions argued that the rise of streaming services had led to a decline in their residuals, the payments they receive when their work is re-aired or streamed. They also expressed concerns about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the production of content, fearing that it could replace human workers and further erode their livelihoods.
The AMPTP, on the other hand, maintained that the unions’ demands were unreasonable and would place an undue burden on producers. They argued that the streaming industry was still in its infancy and that the unions’ proposals would stifle its growth.
The Strike Takes Hold
The strike began on May 2, 2023, when the WGA members walked off the job after negotiations with the AMPTP failed to reach an agreement. The strike quickly gained momentum, with SAG-AFTRA members joining the picket lines on July 12.
The impact of the strike was immediate and significant. Production on many television shows and films was halted, and thousands of workers were laid off. The strike also had a ripple effect on the entertainment industry as a whole, impacting studios, networks, and ancillary businesses.
Negotiations and a Tentative Agreement
As the weeks turned into months, negotiations between the unions and the AMPTP continued. The strike caused financial hardship for many workers and threatened to delay the release of highly anticipated television shows and films.
Finally, on November 9, 2023, the unions and the AMPTP reached a tentative agreement. The agreement included provisions for increased residuals, protections against the use of AI, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
The Aftermath and a New Era of Cooperation
The tentative agreement was ratified by the WGA on September 27, and by SAG-AFTRA on November 9, officially ending the strike. The strike had lasted for 186 days, making it the longest strike in SAG-AFTRA history.
The strike was a watershed moment in the entertainment industry, highlighting the power of unions to advocate for their members in an increasingly changing landscape. It also demonstrated the importance of cooperation between unions and producers to ensure the continued success of the industry.
Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
The 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike served as a stark reminder of the importance of fair pay and working conditions for those who create the content we love. It also underscored the need for open communication and collaboration between unions and producers to address the challenges of the modern entertainment industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, the unions and the AMPTP will face new challenges and opportunities. The lessons learned from the 2023 strike will undoubtedly guide them as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of entertainment.
