The entertainment industry anticipates significant disruptions as the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issues a strike notice and order affecting its members. Following is an overview of the strike order, highlighting its scope and potential ramifications.
Strike Order Details
Commencing July 14, 2023, SAG-AFTRA has declared a strike on all covered services under the Producer-SAG-AFTRA Codified Basic Agreement and SAG-AFTRA Television Agreements. This directive encompasses various agreements and requires members to halt all services and work covered by these agreements until further notice. The guild posted to Twitter linking the bulletin rules.
Services to Be Withheld
The strike order entails the withholding of both on-camera and off-camera services. On-camera work such as acting, singing, dancing, stunts, and even puppeteering is included. Additionally, principal off-camera work like voice acting, narration, stunt coordinating, and background work is part of the withholding directive.
Other Implications
Beyond direct production work, the strike order impacts ancillary activities associated with TV and theatrical contracts. Members are instructed to refrain from engaging in promotional and publicity services related to projects covered by the TV/Theatrical Contracts. Negotiating new agreements, performing on trailers, and creating ancillary content linked to struck productions are also explicitly forbidden.
Compliance and Guidelines
To ensure adherence to the strike order, members holding non-performing capacities should consult with SAG-AFTRA to navigate potential conflicts. SAG-AFTRA will not discipline members for engaging in non-covered work within non-performing roles, provided it does not violate applicable laws.
Rules and Reporting
During the strike, members are expected to refrain from crossing SAG-AFTRA picket lines, reporting any strikebreaking activity to SAG-AFTRA, and instructing agents and representatives to halt negotiations on covered services.
Discipline and Non-Members
Non-members seeking future SAG-AFTRA membership should note that performing covered services for a struck company during the strike will hinder admission into the union. Members who disregard the strike order may face disciplinary actions as outlined in the SAG-AFTRA Constitution and Membership Rules.
Outlook
With the strike order issued by SAG-AFTRA, the entertainment industry faces significant disruptions. Members are directed to halt covered services, while exemptions may apply to projects that meet the criteria for Interim Agreements. The strike will undoubtedly shape the industry landscape and impact negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and relevant stakeholders.
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