Dear Member,
You’ve only got a few days left.
SAG-AFTRA is taking a bold step: your National Board unanimously decided to send a strike authorization vote to members ahead of negotiations with the AMPTP, the group representing the major studios, streamers and production companies that employ us.
I’m personally asking you to vote ‘YES’ on the strike authorization referendum. While a ‘YES’ vote won’t initiate a strike, it will give our negotiators extra leverage at the bargaining table to get the best possible deal. Should the National Board decide that a strike is necessary, no work stoppage would occur before our contract expires on June 30, 2023. If you have already cast your ballot, thank you for voting!
The industry has changed dramatically, and we need a contract that protects against:
- Erosion of income and benefit plan contributions due to inflation and the streaming eco-system.
- Reduced residuals.
- Fast-evolving threats of generative AI.
- Unregulated and burdensome self-taped auditions.
All the information you need to vote can be found here. Email strike.authorization@sagaftra.org if you have questions.
A postcard with a unique pin was mailed to you on May 18 with instructions on how to vote online. If you haven’t received your postcard, you can still vote by using the “Find My Pin” function at vote.ivsballot.com/sagaftra2023. The deadline to vote is June 5 at 5 p.m. PT.
Lastly, use your social media platforms to encourage members to vote YES with the hashtag #SAGAFTRAstrong. Click here for graphics and sample posts. High turnout and a high percentage of approval will send a strong message to the AMPTP. And follow SAG-AFTRA on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for all the latest updates.
I’m heartened by the solidarity I’ve already seen from members when the news of this action was announced. Ensuring our negotiators have the leverage they need has never been more important — now is the time to demonstrate our unity.
Forward together,
Ezra Knight
New York Local President