Dancing with the Stars has been making headlines lately, with actors facing pressure to withdraw from the show due to the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild. However, in a recent statement, SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing actors, has announced its support for its members who choose to participate in the popular ABC show.
According to SAG-AFTRA, the actors appearing on Dancing with the Stars are not in violation of strike rules due to the Network Code agreement. As a result, they are required to fulfill their contractual obligations and continue working on the show. Many of the actors had previous contractual obligations to the show, and their option agreements require them to return if the producer exercises their option, which has been done.
The union also pointed out that the Network Code Collective Bargaining Agreement includes a no-strike clause, meaning that the actors can be held in breach of contract if they choose not to show up for work. SAG-AFTRA is, therefore, prohibited from advising them not to work.
While supporting its members’ participation in Dancing with the Stars, SAG-AFTRA also reaffirmed its solidarity with the Writers Guild. The show is a WGA-signatory show and traditionally employs one writer. The union recognizes its obligations under federal labor law and stands with other union siblings across the entertainment industry.
The announcement from SAG-AFTRA comes at a time when ABC is reportedly considering postponing the premiere of Dancing with the Stars and making plans for alternative programming if necessary. Despite the ongoing strike, the show is still set to premiere on Tuesday night.
Among the actors participating in this season of Dancing with the Stars are Xochitl Gomez from Doctor Strange, Barry Williams from The Brady Bunch, and Jamie Lynn Spears from Zoey 101.
As the strike continues and tensions rise in Hollywood, it will be interesting to see how the show proceeds and how other actors navigate their involvement amidst the ongoing labor dispute.
