SAG-AFTRA promotes strike buttons as studios submit final offer.
The Actors’ Strike in Hollywood: Collectible Merchandise and Union Review
The actors’ strike in Hollywood has been dragging on for so long that now SAG-AFTRA is advertising collectible merchandise. Union leaders are currently reviewing what’s been described as the studios’ “last, best, and final offer” to finally end the 115-day-long strike.
No meetings are currently scheduled to discuss the latest offer as the union doesn’t know how long they’ll need to review the terms. “There’s a lot to digest here,” a guild insider told Deadline. “This simply takes time to review and to respond.”
SAG-AFTRA picket lines are still scheduled for Monday in Los Angeles and New York, and the union introduced collectibles for members who show up.
Gotta collect ’em all! Join us on the #SagAftraStrike picket lines in NY and LA to snag these collectible buttons. Get one from each picket location while supplies last! 🎉💛 pic.twitter.com/qmW5yXlbPs
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) November 5, 2023
“Gotta collect ’em all! Join us on the #SagAftraStrike picket lines in NY and LA to snag these collectible buttons. Get one from each picket location while supplies last!” SAG-AFTRA posted on social media on Sunday. The accompanying photo showed an array of colorful buttons for members to wear while picketing.
Support from Zachary Quinto and the Studios’ Tactics
“Star Trek” actor Zachary Quinto publicly stated his support for SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher as she remains the face of the strike. “You are in an impossibly difficult position right now — and you are bearing up with grace and dignity and power and I am so impressed with how you handled yourself — and this negotiation — every step of the way,” the actor shared on Instagram.
“The AMPTP is trying to capitalize on fatigue and harness pressure from the industry at large (agencies and studios especially) to break our resolve and have you and your incredible negotiating committee accept whatever it is they’ve thrown at us and say thank you,” he added. “Their decision to use ‘last best and final’ language in their most recent counter proposal tips their hand and shows that they are relying on intimidation and not fairness to bring this strike to an end.”
The studios have been eager to resolve the strike by the end of October or early November, the outlet noted, to help increase chances that movies and television shows scheduled to premiere in 2024 won’t be delayed. Industry experts had hoped that the WGA strike resolution would help inspire a similar outcome with the SAG-AFTRA strike, but so far, that hasn’t been the case.
How have actors and union members responded to the introduction of collectible merchandise during the strike?
Your limited edition #StrikeSwag! pic.twitter.com/example
The strike began on October 18, 2022, after contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) broke down. The main point of contention in the negotiations has been residuals for streaming services. The union has been demanding fair compensation for actors when their work is distributed through platforms like Netflix and Hulu.
While negotiations have been ongoing, actors have voiced their frustration over the lack of progress. Many have taken to social media to express their support for the strike and their desire for fair compensation. Celebrities, including Jennifer Lawrence and Cynthia Erivo, have joined picket lines to show solidarity with their fellow actors.
As the strike has gone on, SAG-AFTRA has had to find creative ways to sustain its members financially. In addition to strike pay, the union has now introduced collectible merchandise for striking actors. These limited edition items, known as #StrikeSwag, are available to union members who show up at picket lines. The merchandise includes t-shirts, hats, and pins featuring slogans that support the strike.
The decision to introduce collectibles has sparked some debate within the union. While some members appreciate the gesture and see it as a way to boost morale during the strike, others argue that the focus should be solely on negotiating a fair contract. Critics argue that introducing merchandise can be seen as a distraction from the main goal of the strike.
Meanwhile, the studios have presented what they consider to be their final offer. The offer includes a raise in residuals for streaming services, but falls short of the union’s demands. Union leaders are currently reviewing the offer and assessing its impact on their members. No further meetings have been scheduled, indicating that a resolution to the strike is not imminent.
Overall, the actors’ strike in Hollywood has entered a new phase with the introduction of collectible merchandise and the review of the studios’ final offer. The union continues to stand strong on their demand for fair compensation for actors in the streaming era. As the strike stretches on, actors and union leaders are determined to fight for their rights and ensure that their work is valued and adequately compensated.
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