After a strenuous 118 days on strike, the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has successfully brokered a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract with major studios, marking the conclusion of the 2023 actors strike. The tentative deal, valued at over $1 billion, signals a breakthrough in negotiations that had seen a standstill, prompting reflections on the impact of the strike on the industry and the future of labor relations.
The SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Committee, in a unanimous vote on Wednesday, approved the tentative agreement, bringing an end to the strike effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday. While this marks a significant milestone, the deal is set to face further scrutiny as it heads to the union's national board for approval on Friday.
Though specifics of the agreement are yet to be fully disclosed, SAG-AFTRA has revealed some key elements, including pay increases exceeding those of other unions this year, a 'streaming participation bonus,' and regulations on artificial intelligence. The deal also encompasses higher caps on health and pension funds, enhanced compensation for background performers, and provisions safeguarding diverse communities. In response, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) expressed enthusiasm, stating that the tentative agreement represents a 'new paradigm' with substantial gains, including the largest increase in minimum wages in the last four decades.
The strike, initiated in July amid ongoing writers' strikes, provided SAG-AFTRA with unique leverage. The disruption led to the cessation of various unionized U.S. productions, including notable films like 'Deadpool 3' and 'Venom 3.' As the strike surpassed the 100-day mark, pressure mounted, prompting A-list actors to engage with both the union and studios to expedite negotiations. However, the road to agreement was fraught with challenges, including a walkout by studios on October 11 and ongoing debates over terms related to artificial intelligence and streaming compensation.
The provisional agreement's valuation at over $1 billion underscores its magnitude, setting expectations high for SAG-AFTRA members as they prepare for a ratification vote. Members will soon decide whether the pact, yet to have its ratification vote date announced, aligns with their expectations and aspirations for fair compensation, working conditions, and industry resilience.