Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer With less than a week to go before their contract expires, the leaders of SAG-AFTRA are striking an optimistic note about the progress of negotiations.
In a video sent to members on Saturday, union president Fran Drescher and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland say they hope to be able to achieve a deal with the studios.
If they do, that would avert a “double strike,” in which performers would join the Writers Guild of America on picket lines outside the major studios. “I just want to assure you that we are having an extremely productive negotiations that are laser-focused on all of the crucial issues you told us are most important to you,” Drescher said. “We’re standing strong and we’re going to achieve a seminal deal.” The video comes a day after members of the Directors Guild of America voted to ratify their contract, which provides increases in residuals and minimums as well as gains on working hours, family leave and creative rights.
The SAG-AFTRA contract is set to expire next Friday, and there has been some talk that the negotiations might be extended if the sides are unable to reach agreement on all points by then.
Read more on variety.com