The Screen Actors Guild‑American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG‑AFTRA) reported that talks aimed at renewing the national collective agreement did not reach a final conclusion with the Film and Television Producers Association (AMPTP) on that day.
In a formal statement, SAG‑AFTRA said the union approached negotiations in good faith and was ready to settle an agreement, but AMPTP’s responses to the union’s central proposals fell short. The union’s leadership conveyed the message through the organization’s official site.
industry slowdown
Representing more than 160,000 performers, SAG‑AFTRA disclosed that its national board would convene the next morning to formally authorize a potential strike that could halt production across the industry. The Hollywood ecosystem could face a near‑complete standstill if talks collapse.
The last major actor strike occurred in the 1980s, driven by concerns over profits from the home video market and pay television, and it stretched for several months. More recently, a broader labor action began when writers, represented by the Writers Guild of America (WGA), picketed studio offices on May 2 and joined the actors in a synchronized strike for the first time in 63 years.
The only prior instance of both unions striking simultaneously dates back to 1960, a period that yielded gains such as health insurance and pension plans for many involved in the industry. The 2007–2008 writers’ strike, lasting roughly 100 days, helped shape today’s negotiations by highlighting compensation for content distributed online.
better working conditions
Today, both unions share similar aims: improved working conditions, fair wages, clearer rules for the use of artificial intelligence, and transparency in how residuals on platforms are calculated and distributed. The AMPTP has been pressed to acknowledge the profound shifts in the industry and their impact on studio staff, according to union leadership.
Union leaders note that the AMPTP has faced scrutiny for not fully recognizing these economic and technological changes that affect employees on set and behind the scenes. Negotiations have continued since early June with the alliance that represents studios and major platforms, including several large employers in the sector.
Just before the deadline, SAG‑AFTRA indicated it would participate in a meeting proposed by federal mediators with Hollywood studios and broadcasting platforms. The objective was to move negotiations toward a resolution rather than a breakdown in talks.
removal
Despite ongoing efforts, a clear gap remains between the two sides. If no deal is reached, SAG‑AFTRA members could vote to strike. The deadline to reach an agreement stood at 23:59 Pacific time on Wednesday, and the countdown extended into late Thursday across other time zones.
The union called for neutral mediation to help unblock negotiations, while accusing AMPTP of leaking its proposals to the press in an attempt to influence the process and involve federal mediators without SAG‑AFTRA’s confirmation. The looming strike could trigger a broad entertainment industry crisis, particularly for productions that have already endured earlier disruptions.
Without an agreement, film and television productions may slow or halt, affecting promotional activities, press appearances, red‑carpet events, and the scheduling of high‑profile ceremonies such as the Emmys or Comic‑Con events. The potential impact is being watched closely by audiences and industry professionals across North America, including Canada and the United States, as this situation could ripple through theaters, streaming services, and network schedules alike. [Source attribution: SAG‑AFTRA press materials; industry observers]