SAG-AFTRA Strike Is Over

As of 12:01 AM (PT) on 9 November, the SAG-AFTRA Strike is over! The TV and Theatrical Negotiating Committee voted unanimously on approving a tentative agreement, establishing an extraordinary win for the union’s members everywhere. Strikes were suspended immediately upon the approval of the agreement and picket locations closed. The following days came with copious amounts of information being released to the union’s members as well as public statements from several people on the committee.

The contract is valued at over one billion dollars, having promised to make great strides for all those who held out during the several months of the strike. The deal is composed of many aspects the SAG-AFTRA union fought hard for including pension and health caps being raised, protection and provisions against the usage of Artificial Intelligence, and even a streaming bonus similar to the one the WGA members won from their strike. The deal also includes significant improvements for background performers, extras, and helps to ensure more sustainable careers for members all throughout SAG-AFTRA.

With the historic SAG-AFTRA strike over, the National Board was free to vote on the tentative agreement the committee secured for SAG-AFTRA members. The National Board approved the tentative agreement on 11 November, only 2 days after the strike officially ended. Several members of the union have rejoiced and voiced their opinions over social media. However, there are still major questions and concerns about the tentative agreement, most being over the mention of ‘informed consent and compensation for Artificial Intelligence’. Some members of the union have even gone as far as to warn others about the A.I. specifics in the tentative agreement using social media.

“When it comes to A.l., @_justinebateman_ was SAG-AFTRA main consultant and go-to person in the room. She advised SAG-AFTRA to flatly reject AI and they didn’t listen. She was on MSNBC talking about AI and our deal… Please follow her and read her posts on SAG-AFTRA and AI. And please read the contract in detail for yourselves, especially when it comes to AI and residuals. Making gains across all areas means nothing if our residuals are still brutal and we have no A.I. protections. If that’s true then all of this was for nothing. Don’t be sold on what a great victory this deal is without thoroughly addressing your concern when it comes to streaming residuals and A.I.”

The tentative agreement that signalled the SAG-AFTRA strike coming to an end states that there will be a 7% general wage increase, which should help SAG-AFTRA members who are starting in their career to live more sustainably. This does not include the 11% increase in wages for background actors. While these are major wins can’t be denied, the National Board has recommended a ratification of 2023 TV and Theatrical contracts. More updates regarding tentative agreement are still coming to both members and the public. The public consensus so far seems to be that professionals across the industry are still widely concerned about not being replaced by Artificial Intelligence, but are happy to have jobs secured at least for the time being.