SGA and possible SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Strike

[prion]

Dec 9 2008

http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwir...strike_pus.php

SAG Members Endorse Strike Push - Variety

About 400 members of the Screen Actors Guild who met Monday in Hollywood endorsed the group's push to authorize a strike, Daily Variety reports. SAG will hold two more meetings, one in New York next Monday and another in Hollywood on Dec. 17, to gain support for the vote. The ballots will be sent to SAG's more than 120,000 members by the end of the month. There were no protestors outside the theater where the meeting was held, DeadlineHollywoodDaily reports.

[Lahela]

I recall during the threat of a strike while they were still shooting that someone raised the issue of con attendance (ie that SAG actors couldn't attend cons) but I was wondering if someone with a better understanding of the machinations of TV land than me knows whether that would still hold, seeing as the show will be finished as of early January? Specifically, if SAG strikes and they are still out in February, should I expect the SAG actors not to attend the unofficial SG con in the UK?

[prion]

I recall during the threat of a strike while they were still shooting that someone raised the issue of con attendance (ie that SAG actors couldn't attend cons) but I was wondering if someone with a better understanding of the machinations of TV land than me knows whether that would still hold, seeing as the show will be finished as of early January? Specifically, if SAG strikes and they are still out in February, should I expect the SAG actors not to attend the unofficial SG con in the UK?

Hmm, good question. I think they can attend if they are NOT promoting the show. And since the show got axed... what's to promote?

[prion]

VARIETY – Dec 10 2008

SAG could strike by end of January
Guild to send out ballots on Jan. 2
By DAVE MCNARY

Excerpt:

The Screen Actors Guild has made its strike threat official, announcing it will send out authorization ballots Jan. 2 and reveal the results Jan. 23 -- setting the stage for an Oscars boycott and a halt to most production.

SAG announced the timeline Wednesday with the goal of forcing congloms back to the bargaining table, even though the companies declared five months ago they were finished with negotiations. The companies have insisted they won't change their final offer to SAG, made June 30 as SAG's contract expired, and they've blasted guild leaders for insisting they deserve a sweeter deal than the other Hollywood unions.

More than 75% of voting members will have to affirm the authorization for SAG to go on strike. Final say over a walkout will come from the guild's national board of directors, and SAG toppers insist such a step is only a last resort.

….

According to people with knowledge of the meeting, the SAG toppers said it was premature to discuss whether the guild will tell its members to avoid the Feb. 22 Academy Awards and indicated the question would probably be addressed when the guild issues its strike rules.


Full story at
http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=18&cs=1

[Lahela]

I'm getting very nervous about the cons... I've asked for clarification on the Chevron forums...

[prion]

I'm getting very nervous about the cons... I've asked for clarification on the Chevron forums...

If you do get clarification, could you print the relevant excerpt and link back to it here? I'm sure everyone would appreciate it!

[Lahela]

If you do get clarification, could you print the relevant excerpt and link back to it here? I'm sure everyone would appreciate it!

Of course

[Mala50]

VARIETY – Dec 10 2008

SAG could strike by end of January
Guild to send out ballots on Jan. 2
By DAVE MCNARY

Excerpt:

The Screen Actors Guild has made its strike threat official, announcing it will send out authorization ballots Jan. 2 and reveal the results Jan. 23 -- setting the stage for an Oscars boycott and a halt to most production.

SAG announced the timeline Wednesday with the goal of forcing congloms back to the bargaining table, even though the companies declared five months ago they were finished with negotiations. The companies have insisted they won't change their final offer to SAG, made June 30 as SAG's contract expired, and they've blasted guild leaders for insisting they deserve a sweeter deal than the other Hollywood unions.

More than 75% of voting members will have to affirm the authorization for SAG to go on strike. Final say over a walkout will come from the guild's national board of directors, and SAG toppers insist such a step is only a last resort.

….

According to people with knowledge of the meeting, the SAG toppers said it was premature to discuss whether the guild will tell its members to avoid the Feb. 22 Academy Awards and indicated the question would probably be addressed when the guild issues its strike rules.


Full story at
http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=18&cs=1

Thanks for the article. I just wanted to point out that as mentioned in the full story, there is rank and file opposition to the strike. There are many actors who believe that given the economic climate, now is not the time for a strike.

For more info on their position, here's a web site set up by SAG members who oppose the strike: http://sagdecision.com/index.html

[prion]

Thanks for the article. I just wanted to point out that as mentioned in the full story, there is rank and file opposition to the strike. There are many actors who believe that given the economic climate, now is not the time for a strike.

For more info on their position, here's a web site set up by SAG members who oppose the strike: http://sagdecision.com/index.html

Hadn't seen that, but do know about the opposition. I mean, people are losing jobs left and right in this environment and going on strike right now... ack. But I can see their point. Management will take advantage of workers at every moment they can, and not just in that industry.

[prion]

Here's an interesting article at the NY Times on opposition to the strike authorization:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/bu...ref=television

[prion]

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=18&cs=1

Dec 11 2008
If authorization fails, SAG must settle
Strike requires 75% approval from those voting
By DAVE MCNARY

Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild have admitted they'll probably have to accept the congloms' final offer if members don't approve the strike authorization.

SAG national exec director Doug Allen and president Alan Rosenberg made the disclosure in response to questions Wednesday during a meeting to brief publicists and managers about the authorization campaign. For SAG leaders to be able to call a strike, 75% of those voting would have to vote affirmatively on the authorization.

REST AT LINK ABOVE

[prion]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28180598/

The ABCs of a possible SAG strike‘American Idol’ won't be halted, but ‘Housewives’ and ‘CSI’ may be
Dec 15 2008

Full article at link above

[Lahela]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28180598/

The ABCs of a possible SAG strike‘American Idol’ won't be halted, but ‘Housewives’ and ‘CSI’ may be
Dec 15 2008

Full article at link above

Lucky us

[Killdeer]

From TVGuide:

New Rift Opens in SAG over Strike Vote

[Killdeer]

More from TVGuide.com

Hollywood Heavyweights Speak Out Against SAG Strike Vote