Actors Return to Picket Line Fired Up After Studios Cut Off SAG-AFTRA Talks: ‘We Are Not Caving’ | Picketers at Warner Bros. and Disney lots Thursday remain resolute, with one 76-year-old actor proclaiming, “I’m fighting to the death”
As the ongoing contract negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) continue to stall, actors are taking to the picket lines in protest.
On Thursday, picketers at Warner Bros. and Disney lots remained resolute, despite the studios’ decision to cut off talks with the union. The atmosphere was charged with passion and determination, with one 76-year-old actor proclaiming, “I’m fighting to the death.”
The main issue at the heart of the dispute is the demand for fair compensation and better working conditions for actors. SAG-AFTRA has been pushing for improved wages, residuals, and overtime pay, as well as improved safety protocols, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement released by SAG-AFTRA, president Fran Drescher expressed the union’s unwavering commitment to standing up for its members, stating, “We are not caving. We are fighting for the rights and fair treatment of our members, and we will not stop until our demands are met.”
The decision by the studios to cut off talks has only further fueled the determination of the actors. They see it as a clear indication that the studios are not taking their concerns seriously and are unwilling to make the necessary concessions to ensure the well-being of the performers who bring their productions to life.
The solidarity among the actors on the picket lines is palpable, with many expressing their dedication to the cause and their willingness to fight for as long as it takes to achieve their goals. One picketer shared, “We are not backing down. We will stand united until the studios recognize the value of our work and treat us with the respect and compensation we deserve.”
The determination and resiliency of the actors are inspiring and serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right. As the picket lines continue to grow and the voices of the actors grow louder, it is clear that they are not backing down anytime soon. They are prepared to go the distance in their fight for fair treatment and respect in the entertainment industry.
