SAG-AFTRA Statement Regarding Saturday Night Live

"SAG-AFTRA members appearing on Saturday Night Live either as hosts, guests, or cast members are working under the Network Code agreement, which is not a contract we are striking. They are not in violation of SAG-AFTRA strike rules, and we support them in fulfilling their contractual obligations.

"The program is a SAG-AFTRA non-dramatic production under a separate agreement that is not subject to the union’s strike order.

"The majority of our members who are regular cast on Saturday Night Live had contractual obligations to the show prior to the strike.  Many are under option agreements that require them to return to the show if the producers exercise their option which the producers have done.  

"Our members are also subject to a “No Strike Clause” in the Network Code Collective Bargaining Agreement.  This means our performers agree not to strike during the term of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and to show up to work during this term (the Network Code runs through June 30, 2024). By not showing up to work, our performers can be held in breach of contract and the Union is prohibited from advising them not to work.   

"It is important to recognize that SAG-AFTRA is fighting against the studios and not members who are required to go to work every day under other union contracts or personal service agreements.  We stand with our union siblings across the industry as we also recognize our obligations under federal labor law."

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.