After 118 days of strike action, the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios, marking the end of over seven months of labor unrest. The strike, which has been estimated to have cost the Southern California economy over $6.5 billion and 45,000 entertainment industry jobs, will officially end at 12:01 a.m. on November 9.
The union's executive director and chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, stated that the gains made in the deal justified the struggle. The union's negotiating committee approved the agreement unanimously, with committee members Frances Fisher, Shari Belafonte, and Avis Boone expressing relief and excitement at the end of the strike. They praised the SAG-AFTRA members who supported the strike on the picket lines.
The strikes have had significant impacts on workers, with many facing financial difficulties and some considering leaving the industry. The strikes have led to job losses, financial strain, and even forced some to sell their homes. Some workers have managed to scrape by with odd jobs and savings, while others have had to rely on family support.
The details of the deal will be revealed when the agreement goes to the board on Friday. The deal follows the studios' response to the guild's last comprehensive counter with a 'historic' package, which included significant wage increases and AI protections. The studios had warned that unless a deal is reached within the week it will be impossible for broadcasters to salvage half a season of scripted television. The 2024 summer movie season is also increasingly in peril, as more and more films have been delayed to 2025.
SAG-AFTRA members celebrated the end of the strike at All Season Brewing in Los Angeles. Despite the end of the strike, the effects of the work stoppages will continue to be felt across the industry.