Members of SAG-AFTRA, an American actors union, protest and strike on July 17, 2023.
The 2023 SAG-AFTRA Strike was a significant labor action initiated by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which began on July 14, 2023. The strike was aimed at achieving better working conditions, increased compensation, and protections against the rising influence of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. This labor movement marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for equitable treatment of performers in a rapidly changing industry.
Along with the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike (which ended on September 27, 2023), it was part of a series of broader Hollywood labor disputes. Both the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes contributed to the biggest interruption to the American film and television industries since the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 just three years prior. In addition to standing in solidarity with the writers, the strike was led by changes in the industry caused by streaming and its effect on residuals, as well as other new technologies like AI and digital recreation.
Background[]
The 2023 SAG-AFTRA Strike was initiated after the expiration of the previous contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on June 30, 2023. As negotiations for a new contract began, union members raised critical concerns related to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, particularly due to the rapid growth of streaming services. Many actors found that residuals for streaming content were significantly lower than traditional media, prompting demands for better compensation.
Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology raised fears among performers about being replaced or having their likenesses used without consent. The union sought protections against the misuse of AI in production. Compounding these issues were longstanding concerns about working conditions, including safety protocols and mental health resources, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As negotiations stalled, the decision to strike became necessary to compel the AMPTP to address the union's demands. This strike aimed not only to secure better wages and protections but also to redefine the future of work for actors in a rapidly evolving industry.
Timeline[]
Two SAG-AFTRA members striking outside of Warner Brothers Studios on July 14th, 2023
- June 30, 2023: The contract between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP expires, leading to the commencement of negotiations for a new agreement.
- July 1-13, 2023: Negotiations take place, focusing on key issues such as wages, residuals for streaming content, protections against AI, and working conditions. Tensions rise as the AMPTP fails to meet the union's demands.
- July 14, 2023: SAG-AFTRA officially announces the strike after negotiations stall, marking the beginning of labor action. A rally is held at the SAG-AFTRA headquarters in Los Angeles, with prominent actors and union leaders expressing solidarity.
- July 2023: The strike leads to the halting of numerous film and television productions, impacting major projects and events. Many actors participate in picketing and demonstrations in support of the strike.
- August 2023: Ongoing negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP resume. Union members remain committed to the strike while discussions continue behind closed doors.
- August 31, 2023: SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP reach a tentative agreement, addressing key concerns related to wages, residuals, and AI protections. The agreement is set to be voted on by union members.
- September 2023: Union members ratify the new contract, celebrating the resolution of the strike and viewing it as a successful demonstration of solidarity and collective bargaining power.
Resolution and Outcome[]
After several weeks of striking, negotiations resumed between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP. On August 31, 2023, an agreement was reached that addressed many of the union's concerns. Key provisions of the new contract included:
- Increased minimum wage rates for actors.
- Improved residuals for streaming content.
- Clear protections against the use of AI to replicate actors’ performances without consent.
The agreement was met with relief and celebration among union members, who viewed the strike as a successful demonstration of solidarity and collective bargaining power.
Strike Activity and Responses[]
The 2023 SAG-AFTRA Strike, initiated on July 14, 2023, witnessed widespread participation from union members and garnered significant media attention. Prominent actors, including Meryl Streep and Jessica Chastain, actively joined picketing events, emphasizing the importance of the issues at stake, such as wages, working conditions, and protections against AI.
The strike led to the suspension of numerous film and television productions, resulting in the cancellation or postponement of major premieres and promotional events. Solidarity emerged from other unions, including the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which coordinated efforts with SAG-AFTRA to advocate for workers' rights in the entertainment industry.
Public response was largely supportive, with fans and industry observers expressing solidarity through social media campaigns, including the trending hashtag #SAGAFTRAstrike. In turn, the AMPTP expressed disappointment over the strike but indicated a willingness to return to negotiations.
Overall, the strike showcased a strong sense of unity among performers and highlighted the collective demand for better working conditions, marking a significant moment in labor relations within the entertainment sector.
Legacy[]
The 2023 SAG-AFTRA Strike is seen as a landmark moment in the labor history of the entertainment industry. It underscored the ongoing challenges faced by performers in adapting to a rapidly changing landscape and set a precedent for future negotiations. The successful resolution of the strike is likely to influence labor relations within the industry for years to come.