SAG-AFTRA leaders say contract talks have been ‘very productive’ as they ‘remain hopeful’ that a fair deal can be achieved

SAG-AFTRA leaders told their members today that the union’s ongoing contract negotiations have been “very productive” and that they “remain hopeful” that a fair deal can be reached with the Motion Picture and Television Producers Alliance.

In a video posted to the union’s YouTube channel, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Duncan Crabtree-Ireland gave their first update on the negotiations since bargaining began on June 7, two days after union members voted 97.9% in favor of authorizing a strike if no strike was held. Reach an acceptable deal by the end of the month in which the current contract expires.

Recorded outside the negotiating room shortly after the conclusion of the negotiating session on Friday, Drescher said, “We’re not giving you a lot of detailed reporting tonight because, frankly, what’s going on out there is top secret. But I just want to assure you that we’re having a very productive negotiation focus.” “laser on all the critical issues you told us are most important to you. We stand strong and will deliver a substantial deal.”

Watch the video here:

As the union heads into what could be their final week of bargaining before their current contract expires on June 30, Crabtree-Ireland said “We have a very narrow window of time left before our contract expires. We’ve all worked long and hard to move these talks forward,” And we remain optimistic that we’ll be able to bring in studios, networks and broadcasters for a fair deal that respects your contributions to the industry.”

The video update comes a day after members of the Directors Guild overwhelmingly endorsed a new film and television contract, and 54 days after the ongoing Writers Guild strike.

Before voting on permission to strike, the union outlined some key negotiating issues, which include “economic fairness, tailgating, regulating the use of artificial intelligence, and easing the burdens of an industry-wide shift to self-registration.”