Actors Union SAG-AFTRA to Seek Authorization Vote to Strike

Cite 'outrageous rollbacks' in contract talks as current contract is set to expire Friday.

June 26, 2017 11:04 am
SAG-AFTRA Seek Strike Authorization Vote
Actors listen to a speech in support of the seven-week actors' unions (Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) strike against the advertising industry at SAG/AFTRA headquarters in Los Angeles, 13 June 2000. (Lucy Nicholson/AFP/Getty Images)

Two months ago, everybody breathed a sigh of relief when a potential Writers Guild of America strike was averted.

But now  actors are threatening one of their own. The showdown between SAG-AFTRA and producers looms as the current contract is set to expire this Friday.

Per Variety, SAG-AFTRA, which comprises screen, television, and radio actors, is going ahead with a strike authorization vote, stemming from a breakdown in contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). In a message signed by  SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris and David White, national executive director and chief negotiator, the union noted its grievances:

“The AMPTP has responded with outrageous rollbacks that cut to the core of our basic terms and conditions. Despite our efforts, the AMPTP has failed to move on our most critical issues. The status quo is simply unacceptable and our members, standing together, will not give in to management’s onerous demands nor back down on our critical proposals.”

They went on to note that ” a strike authorization is not a strike.”

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