Ketty
SAG-AFTRA agreed to federal mediation to break a bargaining impasse with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, but said “we don’t believe the employers have any intention of negotiating toward a contract.”
The deadline to reach an agreement is midnight PT on Wednesday.
In a statement, the union said its negotiating team “accepted AMPTP’s last-minute request for central mediation and reaffirmed the negotiating team’s commitment to securing a fair contract when the extended contract expires at 11:59 pm PT.” Wednesday, July 12.
Related: SAG-AFTRA prepares picket signs as strike is possible
“We will not be distracted from negotiating in good faith to secure a fair and just agreement by the expiration of our contract. We are committed to the negotiation process and will continue to explore every possible opportunity to reach an agreement, although we do not believe the employers have any intention of negotiating towards an agreement.”
“Furthermore, we condemn the tactic outlined in today’s false Variety piece that names the CEOs of several entertainment companies as the power behind the arbitration claim; Before our negotiators were told by CEOs and their ‘anonymous sources’ about the request for mediation leaked to the press. In the process AMPTP has abused our trust and damaged the respect we have for them. When companies have enough time to negotiate a fair deal, we won’t be manipulated by this cynical ploy.
“SAG-AFTRA represents artists. We’re here to get a contract that ensures our members in our broader industry receive a living wage. AMPTP can do this at any time. They know what our members need, and when they bring it to the table, we’ll be listening, but not knowing. It’s important to take – time is running out.
SAG-AFTRA entered into negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on June 7, voting 98% in favor of its strike authorization. The contracts were extended on June 30 and now expire on July 12 at 11:59 p.m.
