The studios wasted no time Friday responding to the SAG-AFTRA National Board’s vote to approve the new tentative agreement between the guild and the AMPTP. “We are pleased that the National Board has recommended the agreement for ratification by the membership,” an AMPTP spokesperson said in a statement sent after the guild’s press conference at its Wilshire Boulevard headquarters. “We are also grateful that the entire industry has enthusiastically returned to work.”
This response from the studios reflects a sense of relief and satisfaction regarding the progress made in the negotiations. It seems that the studios are happy with the outcome and view this agreement as a significant step forward. By expressing gratitude for the industry’s return to work, they imply that the previous strike had a negative impact on their operations.
This afternoon, SAG-AFTRA’s sprawling national board voted 86% to approve the tentative agreement and prepared to send it to the membership for ratification. Taking place online and in person, the vote will begin Tuesday, November 14 and run to the first week of December, guild chief negotiation Duncan Crabtree-Ireland revealed at the press conference.
The overwhelming support for the tentative agreement suggests that the majority of the board members are satisfied with the terms negotiated. A vote of such magnitude indicates that the agreement has managed to address the concerns and demands of the actors guild. This level of support bodes well for the future ratification by the membership and the restoration of stability to the industry.
After a 118-day strike by the actors guild, SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers reached what the union has called an “unprecedented” deal on November 8. The agreement between the two parties, which was preceded by a late-September deal between the studios and the WGA, contains wage and residuals increases as well as bitterly fought-over AI protections.
By resolving the issues that led to the strike, SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have demonstrated their willingness to compromise and find common ground. The inclusion of wage and residuals increases highlights the importance of fair compensation for actors in the industry. The inclusion of AI protections shows the recognition of the growing impact of technology in the entertainment business.
The deal also was achieved despite some rather harsh language publicly and behind the scenes between the two sides throughout the past several months. This suggests that there were significant obstacles to overcome in the negotiations process. However, the fact that the deal was reached indicates a willingness to put aside differences and find a mutually beneficial agreement.
The ability to rise above the tensions and find a resolution is a positive indication for the future working relationship between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP. It shows that, despite their differences, the two parties can come together to ensure the well-being of the industry and its members.
The SAG-AFTRA National Board’s vote on the new tentative agreement has been met with optimistic responses from the studios. The overwhelming support for the agreement indicates the overall satisfaction of the board members. By addressing lingering issues and overcoming tensions, SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have taken significant steps towards restoring stability and unity in the entertainment industry.