SAG-AFTRA, the leading union representing media workers in the United States, has recently ratified a new 3-year deal TV and theatrical deal with the industry. The deal won membership approval with about 75% of votes cast being in favor of the new agreement, despite several union leaders publicly declaring their intent to vote against it.
The primary schism among SAG-AFTRA members is between the Unite for Strength party, which is led by current union President Gabrielle Carteris, and Membership First, which recently took control of the Los Angeles local board. The local President of the Los Angeles Board, Patricia Richardson, called for members to vote against the deal, writing "We must not allow the era of Covid-19 to undermine our true value."
Other big names also declared their intention to vote no, including Vincent D'Onofrio, Eva Longoria, and Sean Astin, all of whom supported Membership First in their bid to win the presidency from Carteris last year. Two thirds of the Los Angeles local board voted against the new deal in a symbolic move against the proposition, coincidentally mirroring the two thirds support it received from the national board.
Opponents of the deal expressed concern over the reduction in broadcast syndication residuals, while supporters point to the fact that gains from streaming revenue will be significantly increased to counteract the losses. In an unexpected move, the Time's Up Foundation, dedicated to advocating for workplace safety and equity, also encouraged SAG-AFTRA members to vote against the deal, arguing that the deal "does not include key health and safety measures." In response, the union argued that Time's Up had "made a serious mistake" by attempting to influence the votes of members.
Some big names were in favor of the deal as well, with national union leaders boasting the support of Robert De Niro, Christopher Meloni, and Alec Baldwin. In a posted video chat with Baldwin, President Gabrielle Carteris spoke highly of the deal, stating, "This was the contract of a negotiating team that are working actors, and we benefit from everything we put forward to help support this membership and the union."
While the contract passed with significant support, it seems the divide between the two wings of SAG-AFTRA has not closed any further, and next year's elections are likely to be just as contentious. Unite for Strength and Membership First both seem to have difficult decisions ahead of them, especially in a time when so many actors and media workers are struggling due to the economic downturn. Hopefully all those involved will be able to find the solutions that best serve the many workers they represent.
Source: Hollywood Reporter