Actors Fight for Better Working Conditions
By Cage Grubb
All eyes are on the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This dispute, which has led to an ongoing strike, is over labor conditions for actors and film crews who are a part of the SAG-AFTRA union, which currently totals over 160,000 individuals. Over 98 percent of SAG-AFTRA members approved the strike, halting countless film and television productions. This outcome means that all major studios have yet to film any new or ongoing productions since the beginning of the strike on July 14, 2023.
Although working conditions have been the primary cause of this dispute, many actors have taken the strike as an opportunity to expose and fight against the unfair monetary contracts they enter into. One well-known actress. Mandy Moore, explains that she receives small amounts of royalties for her popular television series, “This Is Us.” Moore says in an interview with CNN that she receives checks of 81 cents for her contributions to the six-season, Emmy-nominated show. Other actors, such as Meryl Streep. Jennifer Lawrence, and Ben Stiller, signed a letter declaring their support for the union, saying they are prepared to strike.
Despite the months-long strike, the SAG AFTRA union and AMPTP have not settled the dispute. As of September 27, negotiations will resume between the two organizations on October 2. Until the groups negotiate a settlement, newer entertainment content will not be available for consumers to view. However, smaller studios not a part of the AMPTP have formed contracts with the SAG-AFTRA, effectively allowing union members to continue to work while striking against the larger studios that dominate Hollywood.
Perhaps the greatest example of this is “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” which was filmed and produced following SAG-AFTRA-approved guidelines. Swift’s concert film, which will be released on October 13, is one of the only approved SAG-AFTRA projects to complete filming during the ongoing strike. Consequently, this shows that other studios can meet the SAG-AFTRA demands despite negotiations lasting for several months.
The thought of a Hollywood-centered strike may seem insignificant for students at the University of the Cumberlands. However, this strike shows students, staff, and faculty alike the importance of a union and the benefits a union can have in improving working conditions, pay. and overall treatment. For seniors preparing to enter the workforce, this display shows unions essential role in protecting workers. The strike may even inspire students to pursue a career that has a union.
For other students, this strike means that fan-favorite television shows and films may not return to the screen for the foreseeable future. Since the two groups have yet to negotiate new terms and contracts, students may notice a lack of new content on several streaming services and theaters. Nevertheless, this drought in new entertainment is a sign of hope for hundreds of thousands of workers fighting for better working conditions and pay.
