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As you’ve likely heard, 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 who represent our employers, major studios, streamers and production companies in the television, streaming and theatrical industries.
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.
The industry has changed dramatically, and we need a contract that protects you from:
- 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.
A postcard with a unique pin was mailed to you on May 18 with instructions on how to vote online. The deadline to vote is June 5 at 5 p.m. PT. If you haven’t received your postcard, you can still vote by using the “Find My Pin” function at vote.ivsballot.com/sagaftra2023.
Please spread the word on your social media platforms by reminding members to vote YES and using the hashtag #SAGAFTRAstrong. Click here for graphics and sample posts. And be sure to follow SAG-AFTRA on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for all the latest updates.
As we have seen with recent legislative wins in Minnesota, a committed group of SAG-AFTRA members standing firmly in solidarity with one another and the rest of our union brothers and sisters has the power to make a real difference for working people.
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.
In unity,
Peter Moore
Twin Cities Local President