SAG-AFTRA Members Overwhelmingly Vote to Authorize Strike if New Contract is Not Agreed Upon by June 30

SAG-AFTRA, the labor union that represents film and television actors, has voted to authorize a strike if a new contract is not agreed upon by June 30. The current contract between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) expires at midnight on June 30 and negotiations are set to begin Wednesday.

The union announced Monday night that 97.91% of its members voted in favor of the strike authorization, with nearly 65,000 members casting ballots for a voting percentage of 47.69% of eligible voters. The statement from the union said the vote was a “powerful show of solidarity.”

If the actors union ultimately moves forward with the strike, it would be limited to television and film productions; news and broadcast work would not be directly affected. The union has not yet set a date for the strike to begin, but is expected to make a decision soon.

The AMPTP, which represents the major studios, streamers and production companies, has not yet commented on the strike authorization vote. However, the union has said it is “hopeful that the parties can reach an agreement that is fair and equitable for all.”

The outcome of the negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP will have a major impact on the entertainment industry. The union is hoping to secure better wages and working conditions for its members, while the AMPTP is looking to keep costs down. It remains to be seen how the two sides will come to an agreement.