SAG-AFTRA Clarifies: Members Can Work On Approved Interim Agreement Productions

The subject has been a matter of contention among some SAG-AFTRA actors.

SAG-AFTRA members can promote and audition for approved interim agreement productions. The union, on strike since mid-July, issued a statement consenting to its members to deal with some productions as a means of “strengthening the union’s bargaining position and demonstrating solidarity.”

The interim agreements are a matter of contention among some SAG-AFTRA members since the strike began. Stars like Sarah Silverman and Viola Davis have publicly raised concerns about whether it is appropriate for SAG-AFTRA members to work under those conditions. SAG-AFTRA clarifies in its statement that dealing differently with producers who operate independently from AMPTP and agree to SAG-AFTRA’s terms in negotiations does not weaken the union’s position but rather strengthens it.

“The Interim Agreement is a vital part of our strategic approach and was created for several reasons, all of which are aimed at protecting the interests of our members,” SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a statement. “The Agreement demonstrates to the AMPTP and the struck companies that independent producers at all budget levels are eager, keen, and able to work with our members under these terms. We encourage SAG-AFTRA members to audition for and appear in projects approved for an Interim Agreement and applaud them for promoting their work in these productions.”

Source: Variety