SAG-AFTRA Encourages Members to Promote Interim Agreement Productions Ahead of Fall Festivals

variety.com:

J. Kim Murphy SAG-AFTRA issued a statement on Thursday evening to encourage members to promote and audition for approved interim agreement productions, as a means of “strengthening the union’s bargaining position and demonstrating solidarity.” The guild’s statement provides guidance in regards to the matter of promoting a project with an interim agreement, which has been a matter of contention among some SAG-AFTRA members since the strike began in July.

Stars such as Sarah Silverman and Viola Davis have publicly questioned whether SAG-AFTRA members working under those circumstances would be appropriate.

For projects to obtain an interim agreement from the guild, a producer must operate independently from companies belonging to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and agree to terms proposed by SAG-AFTRA in its negotiations with the AMPTP. “This is what solidarity looks like.

We are proud of our members who demonstrate the various ways to bolster the strike effort,” SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a statement. “Whether it’s walking a picket line, working on approved Interim Agreement productions, or maintaining employment on one of our other permissible, non-struck contracts, our members’ support for their union is empowering and inspiring.” Crabtree-Ireland continued, “The Interim Agreement is a vital part of our strategic approach and was created for several reasons, all of which are aimed at protecting the interests of our members.