SAG Seeks More Time, Negotiation

A week after Hollywood studios halted production of films in preparation for labor negotiations, the Screen Actors Guild wants more time to negotiate, Variety reports.

SAG released an ad in Variety on Monday, targeting guild members, that said, "Our industry does have a clear choice: a fair labor agreement for middle-class actors and their families . . . or more management grandstanding.

"Support your Screen Actors Guild's national negotiating committee as it works every day for a fair deal as soon as possible for actors. Let's keep talking."

SAG is awaiting the results of the American Federation of Television and Radio Actors (AFTRA) vote due to take place on Tuesday. SAG has been campaigning among its 44,000 members who are a part of AFTRA to vote down the current deal with the major studios.

Prior to the expiration of the contract, studios offered similar final offers to both SAG and AFTRA. The voting will provide guild leaders with a strong indication of whether guild members would be willing to strike. Thus far, SAG has yet to take a strike authorization vote, which would require 75 percent approval.