SAG-AFTRA Hollywood actors formally end four month strike: Ratify three-year contract after industrial action brought Tinseltown to its knees

Hollywood actors have voted to ratify the deal with studios ended their strike after nearly four months, the labor disputes that have roiled the entertainment industry for most of 2023 officially ended.

The approval of the three-year contract by the members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Performers The deal announced by union leaders on Tuesday evening was not a certainty, as some prominent members voiced their views on the deal their negotiators had anticipated.

The 78% yes result in the vote that started on November 13 and ended on Tuesday was far from the same almost unanimous approval and widespread enthusiastic members of the writers' guild signed the deal that ended their strike in September.

A rejection of the agreement would have meant a return to the negotiating table, and with it the possibility that the actors would strike again if leaders called for it.

People protesting on behalf of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists carry signs outside Netflix on September 27, 2023 in Los Angeles

But the outcome is a major relief for SAG-AFTRA leaders and for the entertainment industry trying to return to normal after months of labor disputes. And it brings a final, official end to Hollywood's most tumultuous year of work in half a century two historic strikes that shook up the industry.

Just over 38% of members cast votes, SAG-AFTRA said. All 145,000 members could vote on the deal, not just the approximately 60,000 TV and film actors who went on strike and worked under the contract.

“I'm very pleased with the outcome,” Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA executive director and chief negotiator, told The Associated Press on Tuesday evening. “I think a 'yes' vote of almost 80% and a turnout of almost 40% for our members is really unprecedented for any kind of contract where it's not just a unanimous yes vote.”

Some members agreed.

“More yes votes than I expected and very happy to see as despite loud complaints on social media this shows the membership is still strong and united,” “Can’t Hardly Wait” actor Ethan Embry posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'Back to work.'

A rejection of the agreement would have meant a return to the negotiating table, and with it the possibility that the actors would strike again if leaders called for it.

The union had given actors the freedom to return to work, declare that the strike is over once the tentative deal was struck on Nov. 8 with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents studios, streaming services and production companies in union negotiations. Two days later the time had come approved by the guild board with 86% of the votes.

Notable members of SAG-AFTRA, which represents Hollywood artists, participate in the Labor Day parade in Detroit. SAG-AFTRA, along with the Writers Guild of America, is striking against companies represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Detroit Labor Day Parade, Michigan, on September 4, 2023

SAG-AFTRA actors and Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers walk the picket line during their ongoing strike outside Netflix offices in Los Angeles, California, on September 22, 2023

“AMPTP member companies congratulate SAG-AFTRA on the ratification of its new contract, which represents historic gains and protections for artists,” the AMPTP said in a statement Tuesday evening. “This vote allows the industry and the jobs it supports to return at full strength.”

Control over the use of artificial intelligence was the most closely fought issue during the long, methodical negotiations, and became the main driver of dissent during the vote.

“The reality is that there are members who have spoken a lot in the last three weeks about their concerns, particularly about artificial intelligence. I take them very seriously and consider their concerns legitimate,” Crabtree-Ireland said. “I also firmly believe that the approach we took and what we achieved in these negotiations was the best possible way to address AI at this time with these companies and in this sector.”

SAG-AFTRA Chairman Fran Drescher told The Associated Press Shortly after the resolution was reached, it was a “deal breaker” in the talks to ensure that AI reproductions of actors could only be used with their informed consent and compensation.

But they didn't fight hard enough for some prominent members, including actors Justine Bateman and Matthew Modine, who cited the issue as a reason to vote no, fueling fears that many voters would follow their lead.

Notable WGA (Writers Guild of America) members pick up with notable SAG-AFTRA members outside Netflix studios on September 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California

: Notable SAG-AFTRA members picket as WGA (Writers Guild of America) members march in solidarity outside Paramount Studios on October 2, 2023 in Los Angeles, California

“I cannot endorse a contract that jeopardizes the independence and financial future of the artists,” Modine, who ran against Drescher for union president in 2021 and was also among the board members who rejected the deal, said in a statement. 'It is purposefully vague and requires union members to relinquish their autonomy. Consent is surrender.”

But many other prominent actors expressed strong support for the deal, including the Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain And Colman Domingowho is getting big Oscars buzz this year for his performance in ' Rustin.'

“I believe we have an incredible deal, I believe it's well thought out and it's about moving the needle.” Domingo told the AP last week. 'I'm very happy with it. I voted yes.'

Crabtree-Ireland stressed that members were happy with the financial benefits of the deal.

“If we had put the AI ​​issue aside, it would probably have been ratified by 99% of members,” he said.

The contract calls for an overall 7% wage increase, with further increases in the second and third years of the deal.

The deal also includes a hard-fought provision that temporarily derailed talks: the creation of a fund to pay artists for future viewings of their work on streaming services, in addition traditional residual flows paid for showing films or series.

The provision is an attempt to bring payment systems in line with an industry now dominated by streaming, a reality that will almost certainly fuel more labor struggles — and possibly more strikes — in the coming years.