Dear friends, colleagues, and fellow supporters, The SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee sent a message this morning reporting unfavorable news.
The disappointing report's message reads "The industry CEOs have walked away from the bargaining table after refusing to counter our latest offer. We have negotiated with them in good faith, despite the fact that last week they presented an offer that was, shockingly, worth less than they proposed before the strike began.
These companies refuse to protect performers from being replaced by AI, they refuse to increase their wages to keep up with inflation, and they refuse to share a tiny portion of the immense revenue YOUR work generates for them. We have made big, meaningful counters on our end, including completely transforming our revenue share proposal, which would cost the companies less than 57¢ per subscriber each year. They have rejected our proposals and refused to counter.
Instead, they use bully tactics. Just tonight, they intentionally misrepresented to the press the cost of the above proposal – overstating it by 60%. They have done the same with A.I., claiming to protect performer consent, but continuing to demand “consent” on the first day of employment for the use of a performer’s digital replica for an entire cinematic universe (or any franchise project).
The companies are using the same failed strategy they tried to inflict on the WGA – putting out misleading information in an attempt to fool our members into abandoning our solidarity and putting pressure on our negotiators. But, just like the writers, our members are smarter than that and will not be fooled.
We feel the pain these companies have inflicted on our members, our strike captains, IATSE, Teamsters and Basic Crafts union members, and everyone in this industry. We have sacrificed too much to capitulate to their stonewalling and greed."
In the face of these challenging developments, it's crucial to understand that our efforts and the battle we're fighting are far from over. The road ahead may be daunting, but our commitment to achieving fairness and justice remains unyielding. We have already come a long way in our pursuit of better working conditions, protection from AI-related job displacement, fair wages, and equitable revenue sharing. The fact that we've made significant concessions and counteroffers speaks volumes about our dedication to resolving these issues.
This fight is not just about us; it's about the future of the industry and the countless performers who will follow in our footsteps. We cannot allow ourselves to be deterred by the companies' refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue or their attempts to mislead. The unity, resilience, and unwavering spirit of our members will continue to be our greatest assets.
Every day, we stand strong, resolute, and ready to negotiate. Our commitment to this cause remains steadfast, and we will persist for as long as it takes to secure the rights and compensation we rightfully deserve. Together, we will weather the storm, knowing that on the other side of this struggle lies a brighter and more equitable future for all.