Historic strike in Hollywood: the union of actors joined the strike of scriptwriters

He union of actors and actresses of the United States (SAG-AFTRA) announced this Thursday, July 13, a unemployment indefinitelyin demand for a new salary negotiation with the Producers Alliance that brings together companies such as DisneyNetflix and Amazon. fran drescherpresident of the union, guarantee the measure suffered by the cessation of activities of 160 thousand professionals.

For its part, the writers’ strike continues after more than 70 days and with more than 11,000 members protesting in the streets, and the union of both claims will represent a Historic momentsince it hasn’t happened for a long time six decades.

Who are the Hollywood figures that join the strike?

Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda, Susan Sarandon, Charlize Theron, Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Rob Lowe, Jennifer Lawrence, and Mark Ruffalo are some of the actors and actresses, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, TV show hosts, puppeteers, voice artists, singers, stuntmen, announcers and other media professionals who went on strike on Thursday.

“They have to wake up. We are workers and we stand. We demand respect and be honored for our contribution. They have to split the profits, because they wouldn’t exist without us.”, claimed Drescher in his speech in front of the press and union colleagues.

In addition, in a statement, he stressed: “SAG-AFTRA negotiated in good faith and was eager to reach an agreement that addressed the needs of artists, but AMPTP’s responses to the most important proposals have been insulting and disrespectful of our massive contributions to this industry.”

“Companies have refused to participate significantly in some issues and in others they completely blocked us,” reported the well-known actress recorded mainly for her role in the sitcom The babysitterplaying the nanny Fran Fine.

The Hollywood Writers Guild has called an indefinite strike.

For his part, the Alliance of Producers (AMPTP) blamed the union of actors for the current situation, assuring that they have rejected an offer with double-digit percentage salary increases and greater retirement and health benefits, as well as an increase in residual salaries, that is, those received when series and films are broadcast again. They also offered protections against the use of the actors’ digital likeness, responding to fears about artificial intelligence.

However, one of the central points that the producers have not addressed is the streaming compensation, considering the hegemony of current on-demand services. “I can’t believe how far apart we are on so many things,” Fran Drescher said at the conference, where he added: “All the business model has changed thanks to streaming. It is a historic moment. It is the moment of truth”.

The position of the Alliance of Film and Television Producers

In a statement, the Alliance criticized the measure of force: “We are deeply disappointed that SAG-AFTRA has decided to walk away from the negotiations. This is the union’s choice, not ours. Instead of continuing to negotiate, they have set us on a path that will deepen the financial hardship of thousands of people who depend on the industry for their livelihoods.”

Bob Iger, CEO of Disneydescribed the demands of actors and screenwriters as “unrealistic”. “As an industry, we were able to negotiate a very good deal with the directors’ union, which reflects the value they bring to this great business. We wanted to do the same with the writers and we would like to do the same with the actors. But have a level of expectation that is simply not realistic and they are adding to a set of challenges that this business is already facing,” Iger declared at the microphones of CNBC.

‘Succession’ Leads Emmy Nominations Amid Strike

“This is the worst time in the world for a measure of this type,” said the Disney CEO, who while respecting “the right and desire to receive fair compensation,” unions “have to be realistic about the business environment and what this business can offer”. Strikes will also occur and will cause “enormous collateral damage” and “very, very damaging effects on the entire business”.

in communication with DeadlineIger announced that he hopes that the writers end the strike Just October fines, because at that time there will begin to be serious economic consequences and your savings will run out. “We have to let things drag on until union members start losing their apartments and their houses,” he declared.

Negotiations must end on June 30. and finally, they were extended for a couple of weeks. This Wednesday, the UN joined the discussion mediator of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a request from the Producers Alliance, but it was already too late and the decision was made.

THE ED