After two weeks ago breaking ties with the American Federation of Television & Radio Artsis (AFTRA), its bargaining partner of 27 years, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) on 13 April invited AFTRA to rejoin SAG in upcoming contract negotiations with Hollywood studio bosses as represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP). AFTRA has since declined the offer.
Tinsel Town is reportedly on tenterhooks, fearing another industry strike similar to the now resolved writers’ strike. This is despite SAG leaders’ repeated anti-strike statements. SAG is to commence talks with the studios this week – its current contract expires on 30 June. AFTRA is scheduled to begin talks on 28 April.
It is believed that a sticky point in both actors unions’ negotiations with the studios is likely to be an increase in new media residuals, the same issue that led to the protracted writers’ strike.
(Source: Variety)
