Top actors unite to back SAG-AFTRA strike: ‘We must stand strong’ for ‘regular’ workers.

Actors Show Support for Union’s Strike Vote

Thursday saw an outpouring of support from several actors in response to their union’s decision to strike. The announcement from the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) coincided with the London premiere of the film Oppenheimer, sag-aftra-strike-we-have-to-get-tough-in-support-of-rank-and-file-workers/” title=”Top actors unite to back SAG-AFTRA strike: ‘We must stand strong’ for ‘regular’ workers.”>leading cast members such as Matt Damon, Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Olli Haaskivi, Robert Downey Jr., and more to walk out in solidarity.

Strong Stance for Fairness

During a red carpet interview with Deadline Hollywood, Damon expressed his thoughts on the strike, stating, “Nobody wants a work stoppage. If our leadership is saying that the deal isn’t fair, then we gotta hold strong till we get a deal that’s fair for working actors. It’s the difference between having healthcare and not for a lot of actors, and we gotta do what’s right by them.”

Haaskivi took to Instagram to voice his support, writing, “If the actors go on strike, we won’t be allowed to post anything promoting our work until things are resolved. I’ll be excited to say more and show more once we get the deal we deserve.”

Alec Baldwin, in an Instagram video, shed light on the work of SAG-AFTRA, emphasizing that it represents the majority of performers who struggle to make a living in the industry. He commended the union for fighting for fair salaries for all its 160,000 members and acknowledged that while nobody wants a strike, sometimes it becomes necessary.

Lesley Ann Brandt, an actress and recent American citizen, shared her pride in the union’s decision, stating, “I became an American citizen the same day my union authorized a strike and I received my new Union card. Took 13 years of visas to get here, and I’ve been a member of @sagaftra for 13 years. It’s the most American of days today. Feeling proud.”

Transgender actor Lavern Cox expressed solidarity with fellow union members in the industry and beyond, stating on Instagram, “We stand in solidarity with our writers and fellow union members across our industry and others.”

Actor Jack Quaid, son of Dennis Quaid, showed his support by captioning the SAG-AFTRA logo on his Instagram profile with the words, “If we must strike… THEN WE SHALL STRIIIIIIIKEEEEEEE!!!”

Joining Forces with the Writers Guild of America

This marks the first SAG-AFTRA strike in 43 years, aligning them with the ongoing strike of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which has been going on for over 70 days. The WGA strike involves approximately 11,500 writers and centers around demands for higher wages. SAG-AFTRA is also fighting for fair wages, as well as protections against the impact of artificial intelligence.

The last time both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA were simultaneously on strike was in 1960, with Ronald Reagan leading the union before his presidential campaign.

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