SAG-AFTRA is expected to extend contract negotiations with major studios this week to get Hollywood back on track.
Negotiators of the actors' union have met with major studios on Monday (October 2), with a follow-up meeting set for Wednesday (October 4). This is the first time the union met with member studios of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) after their strike began in July, in concurrence with that of the Writers' Guild of America (WGA), whose own strike ended last week.
Until then, union leaders urged their members to remain manning their picket lines, the Washington Times reported.
SAG-AFTRA's Heavier Demands on Pay Increase, AI
It is speculated that SAG-AFTRA would use the WGA deal as a template during the negotiations since both unions have similar demands, with the exception of restrictions on AI and higher pay increases, which the actors are demanding more heavily.
"Today we go back to the bargaining table to fight for the contract you deserve," the union said in a statement. "Keep turning out in full force on our picket lines and at solidarity events around the country. Let the AMPTP hear your voices loud and clear."
WGA's strike ended after the union secured major concessions from the studios, including improved minimum salaries, changes to residual payments from streaming services, and restrictions on how artificial intelligence (AI) could be used.