Hollywood actors will officially end their months-long strike Thursday after a tentative contract agreement was agreed upon with studios.
Since July 15, members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have picketed outside major studios, asking for updated terms to their contracts.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) was a sticking point for both sides and while details of the terms have not been revealed, SAG-AFTRA said its actors would be "protected" in terms of AI use.
"In a contract valued at over one billion dollars, we have achieved a deal of extraordinary scope that includes 'above-pattern' minimum compensation increases, unprecedented provisions for consent and compensation that will protect members from the threat of Al, and for the first time establishes a streaming participation bonus," the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical negotiating committee said Wednesday.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) was involved in a double strike this year, with Hollywood writers represented by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) striking weeks before the actors. A contract agreement was
made and ratified on Oct. 10.
According to the theatrical committee, changes to the contract will include wage increases for background actors, an increase in pension and healthcare capacity and guarantees regarding AI.
The picket schedules for the weekend have been canceled and further details about the contract were said to be released once they are ratified.
Full statement:"We are thrilled and proud to tell you that today your TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee voted unanimously to approve a tentative agreement with the AMPTP. As of 12:01 a.m. PT on November 9, our strike is officially suspended and all picket locations are closed.
"We will be in touch in the coming days with information about celebration gatherings around the country.
"In a contract valued at over one billion dollars, we have achieved a deal of extraordinary scope that includes 'above-pattern' minimum compensation increases, unprecedented provisions for consent and compensation that will protect members from the threat of Al, and for the first time establishes a streaming participation bonus.
"Our Pension & Health caps have been substantially raised, which will bring much-needed value to our plans. In addition, the deal includes numerous improvements for multiple categories including outsize compensation increases for background performers, and critical contract provisions protecting diverse communities.
"We have arrived at a contract that will enable SAG-AFTRA members from every category to build sustainable careers. Many thousands of performers now and into the future will benefit from this work.
"Full details of the agreement will not be provided until the tentative agreement is reviewed by the SAG-AFTRA National Board.
"We also thank our union siblings - the workers that power this industry -- for the sacrifices they have made while supporting our strike and that of the Writers Guild of America. We stand together in solidarity and will be there for you when you need us.
"Thank you all for your dedication, your commitment and your solidarity throughout this strike. It is because of YOU that these improvements became possible."
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