Union tells members that prime studio leaders ‘have requested us to return to the desk’
SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood’s main studios will return to the bargaining desk on Tuesday, practically two weeks after the administration aspect known as a halt to talks, saying the edges have been too far aside. The union’s negotiating committee confirmed in a message to members that the outreach to renew talks got here from the administration aspect.
“It’s clear that the power and solidarity proven by our members has despatched an unmistakable message to the CEOs. As we now have repeatedly mentioned, we’re prepared, keen and in a position to interact on a second’s discover to satisfy and to work throughout the desk to realize a deal that’s worthy of your sacrifice,” the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee wrote.
Phrase of the resumption of negotiations got here Saturday afternoon in a brief joint assertion from SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Movement Image and Tv Producers. The assertion famous that a minimum of some government leaders from AMPTP member firms can be readily available as properly. It comes as SAG-AFTRA’s first industry-wide strike in additional than 40 years hit the 100-day mark.
“SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP will meet for bargaining on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. A number of executives from AMPTP member firms shall be in attendance.”
The return to bargaining comes as inner stress is mounting on SAG-AFTRA management to search out the trail to decision of the contract talks and the union’s first industry-wide strike since 1980. George Clooney, an A-lister with a bumpy historical past with Hollywood unions, emerged this week with an alternate proposal for securing increased streaming residuals. That ruffled feathers amongst SAG-AFTRA’s prime brass because it turned a transparent signal of restlessness within the ranks.
The AMPTP shocked SAG-AFTRA late on Oct. 11 when it abruptly introduced a “pause” within the talks as a result of the edges have been just too far aside on key points. Studio leaders have been greater than a little bit irritated that 4 of the senior-most executives in Hollywood spent 5 full days in bargaining periods with the performers union with out with the ability to bridge the important thing gaps. Union leaders Fran Drescher and Duncan Crabtree-Eire revved up picket exercise and did a media tour to warn the studios that deal phrases on the desk as of Oct. 11 weren’t sufficient to finish the strike.
The resumption of talks additionally comes towards a ticking clock on the window of alternative to shoot any new TV episodes or films earlier than the yr ends. Earlier than the SAG-AFTRA talks with AMPTP took a pointy flip for the more serious, {industry} insiders had been eyeing the week of Nov. 6 as a potential date to get some filming executed, particularly on TV tasks that have been nearly able to roll when the WGA initiated the summer season of strikes on Might 2.
The 4 leaders who’ve been within the contract conclave with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA have been Disney’s Bob Iger, NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav. It’s not instantly clear if that foursome will regroup for the brand new spherical with SAG-AFTRA or if new faces shall be on the desk.
Right here is the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee’s full memo:
As we mark the a hundredth day of our strike, we’re happy to substantiate the corporate executives have requested us to return to the desk. Official negotiations will resume on Tuesday, October 24.
It’s clear that the power and solidarity proven by our members has despatched an unmistakable message to the CEOs. As we now have repeatedly mentioned, we’re prepared, keen and in a position to interact on a second’s discover to satisfy and to work throughout the desk to realize a deal that’s worthy of your sacrifice. Together with this morning, simply as our biannual SAG-AFTRA Conference is underway.
Within the coming days there’ll possible be plenty of curiosity and doubtlessly noise surrounding our talks. Don’t consider something you hear till it comes from us.
We’re targeted.
We’re decided.
We is not going to waver.
Sooner or later longer.
Sooner or later stronger.
So long as it takes.
Your TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee
