SAG-AFTRA A-Listers Weigh In To End Strike
As we all eagerly await the ending of the last major strike action to rock the entertainment industry, we’ve seen an interesting bid from Hollywood A-listers to sweeten the deal. While the court of opinion is divided on whether it will help the negotiation process, it is an encouraging sign that SAG-AFTRA, at least, is keen to see an end to labor disruptions. You could check Entertainment lawyer Los Angeles Brandon Blake covers the unusual offer.
Removal of Dues Caps
The suggestion, spearheaded by George Clooney and a number of other A-listers, proposes that SAG-AFTRA remove the dues cap on high-earning members to build the union’s coffers over the next 3-year period. This cap currently sits at $1,000,000 in earnings. It was also proposed that lower-income members get residual payments before those with higher incomes. The idea is that this offer could help bridge the gap in negotiations between the union and studios.
Perhaps A Good Sign, If Not A Solution
Of course, nothing is ever that simple, and a broad proposal like this could be very difficult to sell, given it would need a full-scale change to the union’s dues system. Also, not all of the people the cap removal would affect are the level of the superstars proposing it. Nor would it help solve the other key sticking points affecting negotiations- particularly the creation of what is, effectively, a new revenue stream for members out of studio pockets and the thorny matter of AI. However, it is at least an olive branch in what has turned into a very divisive bargaining environment. And right now, negotiations could benefit from some signs of goodwill.
The AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA return to the bargaining table this Tuesday (24 October). Let’s hope to be reporting on some good news- or even an end to the strikes- from that process next week.
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