SAG-AFTRA On Strike!
Michael Gurka, Andrea Lang
Printing: Harman Press
Offset, 1980
Los Angeles, CA
11294
Last Friday, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and
Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) went on strike, uniting with the two-month-old strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA). This is the first joint strike between writers and actors in 63 years, and is a powerful demonstration of solidarity, as the two unions come together to secure improved contracts in the face of significant opposition from the studios.
The historical significance becomes apparent when looking at the successful joint strike of 1960. Actors and writers went on strike in response to the rise of reruns on television, demanding to be paid for this new production and distribution model. This resulted in the establishment of enhanced residual payments, health insurance plans, and pension funds. Additionally, the 1980 SAG-AFTRA strike—which produced the poster of the week— is a notable milestone where negotiations were conducted to improve profit sharing arrangements during the rise of the home video cassette market.
The current SAG-AFTRA strike's purpose is to secure improved working conditions and enhanced compensation for its members. The key areas of concern are fairer wages, improved residual payments, better healthcare benefits, and increased job security. Actors and performers are determined to address the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, which has experienced significant transformations due to the growing dominance of streaming platforms and the emergence of AI technology.
Common misconceptions regarding fair compensation for actors are often based on A-List actors who receive substantial pay. However, the primary focus of this strike is to lend support to the non-A-list actors, many of whom encounter significant financial challenges. These actors are grappling with the difficulties of making ends meet, and it is crucial for us to stand in solidarity with them, championing their cause and advocating for improved contracts that will empower them to sustain their livelihoods in the entertainment industry.
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