Boards are being posted n the woods of woe that the SAG is set to strike. We get wind of this dismal update thanks to the professionals at Variety.
The Screen Actors Guild will send out its strike authorization vote to members next month, making it possible for actors to strike as early as January — prompting a bitter response from the majors. In a message to SAG’s 120,000 members sent Wednesday, SAG president Alan Rosenberg said a strike would be called by the national board “only if it becomes absolutely necessary.”
“Your leadership believes that we must be empowered with the real threat of a work stoppage in order to let management know that we are committed to protecting the future of all actors,” he wrote. “We ask for your support, knowing that you have entrusted us to fight for your rights, and to protect your wages, working conditions and your health and pension benefits. We take your trust very, very seriously and will work towards reaching a fair agreement without a work stoppage.”
I understand the need to strike, but in this case I would personally want to hold off until the current economic “tsunami” is over.
Sadly, from where I sit, it looks like a strike is going to be inevitable. The studio may have to cave on this one just to ensure the business dollars for the California economy. People need the jobs right now and squabbling over percentages in this current climate isn’t kosher. I’m all for sticking it to the man and getting fair pay for fair work, but now is not the time to take a stand. The Union will have a much harder time shoring up public support when so many laid off from the manufacturing sector are looking for work.
In all sincerity, I hope this prophecy remains unfulfilled.
Stay tuned for strike news!
7 Comments, Comment or Ping
Iain "DDude" Dawson
Crap.
Nov 28th, 2008
frankwolftown
How could anyone want to strike? They just had a costly writers strike that screwed over everybody in Hollywood! Does anyone remember this?
Nov 28th, 2008
790
According to the Patriot Act signed by mustafa bushe, SAG’s actions could be classified as economic terrorism…
Yeah its gotten that screwey.
Nov 28th, 2008
Darren J Seeley
They should give one olive branch, half of another…and let the rest float around for awhile…progress. Anything to delay the strike, anything to ease tension. It is not the time.
It is time for varied production houses and companies to start signing waivers , special deals so they are not struck and allow people to work, just in case. This also includes commercialsthat involve SAG actors, and radio/audio voiceover.
Nov 28th, 2008
bigsampson
do i feel sorry…..hell no ..these people work in a industry that revolves around a bunch of bs……..haha like i give a shit less about these coward cry babies and there petty cries for more money etc…..they make too much…there fricken not saving the world…..and when they cash in the cash in big…not like if i had a job ( just got laid off of rhe job i had the last 3 years with no warning) and i wanted to go on strike would it fly let alone would me wanting more money for some dumb crap like acting…..if they were brick layers i would understand…these assholes chose there line of business and just want more…GREED!
AS IF VOICE ACTING DESERVE TO GET PAID!
Nov 29th, 2008
hania
Take a look at all the work that is being put out there on the internet - sans any sort of compensation. If we write books, then we get a copyright and residuals. This is not the case for celluloid, however. A lot of clips, complete shows, and routines are “published” via the internet with no residuals. This is theft of art and intellect. And who makes the money at the top? Why, the corporate fat cats who sell the souls of these actors. No, they are not out there “saving the world,” but they do provide us entertainment and a way of escaping much of this crazy world we live in. I am kind of wondering if BigSampson is more than a bit bitter that he is not part of a union - could’ve had a voice in a contract, BigSampson, if your workplace had decided to unionize. In reality, most people are too cheap to join a union or the boss says, “It’s not a good thing for you all to be doing.” The workers then wish they had a union once they see that little pink slip come across the desk.
I live in a unionized state. We fight management all the time. Management doesn’t think that it needs to make concessions - but it does. The problems lie with corporate management - if those at the top are not willing to take cuts, why are they expecting the workers to do so?
Just remember - many of our wonderful actors died paupers. Laurel and Hardy come to mind. They have been in reruns forever - and not a dime went to them in residuals. But don’t we all still enjoy their work?
Dec 1st, 2008
Mishell
A strike, hmmm, yeah that makes perfect sense. Especially when the national unemployment rate is increasing daily and even more layoffs are slated for the coming year. While the rest of the country is struggling to keep their homes, their cars, and their sanity, The SAG board doesn’t have the common decency to consider the people who patronize their work, not to mention the crews, drivers, grips, makeup people, wardrobe people, and vendors to the industry such as florists, hotels, restaurants, caterers, etc.
Dec 14th, 2008
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