SAG-AFTRA Update: Fran Drescher Responds to George Clooney-led Proposal

Dear SAG-AFTRA Members,

We hope this message finds you well. We would like to address some recent developments and clarify any confusion surrounding the negotiations. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher took to Instagram to express her gratitude towards a proposal led by George Clooney, aimed at removing the cap on union dues. While appreciative of the generosity behind the suggestion, Drescher emphasized that this proposal does not align legally with our current contract with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers. She clarified that the proposal should not be mistaken as an impact on the contract we are currently striking over.

Earlier this week, Clooney and other prominent actors met with SAG-AFTRA's national executive director and chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, along with President Drescher, to discuss a bold proposal. The idea was to have high-earning members contribute more dues over a three-year period, with the intention of bridging the gap between our demands in the 2023 negotiations and what the studios and streamers are willing to offer. Additionally, the proposal aimed to ensure that lower-income members receive residuals before higher-earning members.

President Drescher expressed her appreciation for the significant contributions made by certain influential members to our foundation. She also acknowledged George Clooney's efforts in organizing the proposal to remove the dues cap, which was received graciously. However, she reiterated that this proposal cannot be implemented due to the legal framework of our federally regulated labor union. Contributions to our pension and health funds must come from employers, and our fight for improved benefits remains within the boundaries of our current contract.

It's important to note that the ongoing negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have hit a roadblock primarily due to our streaming viewership proposal. This proposal suggests charging streaming services 57 cents per subscriber to create a fund that can be distributed to members whose work appears on these platforms. The AMPTP has deemed this provision an "untenable economic burden," while we believe it is necessary to supplement wages for streaming projects. We also have significant disagreements regarding AI guardrails for entertainment and minimum rate increases for the next three years.

Regarding the suggestion in the Clooney-led plan about residuals, President Drescher explained that our experienced union contract staff negotiators and lawyers have thoroughly examined it. Unfortunately, they concluded that it does not hold up due to the intricate nature of our negotiations. Despite the appreciation for the effort and desire to support our members, we are still awaiting the return of the CEOs to the negotiating table, as walking away or rejecting discussions does not constitute a genuine negotiation.

President Drescher further expressed her disappointment with the studios for walking away from talks, highlighting that it is not only unethical but also not legally permissible. We have reached out to the AMPTP for comment and clarification on this matter.

She emphasized that our streaming viewership proposal has successfully addressed the issue of compensation in the streaming era. The union stands firm in its commitment to this proposition, recognizing that introducing an unprecedented business model like streaming requires an equally unprecedented compensation structure. While we understand the challenges this may pose, we believe it is an elegant solution that will allow us to work in what would become the new normal.

Later in the day, SAG-AFTRA's negotiating committee released a statement reiterating President Drescher's key points and expanding on others. They emphasized that while it is encouraging that network, streaming, and studio executives are open to direct communication, they should not assume that the goodwill of our members will distract us from our mission.

The statement also highlighted our contribution to the growth of the streaming model through reduced rates and low to non-existent residuals. It is now time for us to share in the success we have helped build.

As negotiations continue, we will keep you informed about any progress or significant updates. Your support and dedication are crucial as we work towards fair and equitable agreements for all members.

Stay united, and together we will achieve our goals.

Warm regards,

[Robert Brooksby]
SAG-AFTRA Member