The SAG-AFTRA strike has been going on for more than 100 days. SAG-AFTRA represents upwards of 160,000 actors and began striking with the writers’ guild on July 14, 2023. The main issues being their pay, benefits, and the use of AI. 

Recently, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers gave the negotiating committee a final offer. The heads of major studios discussed the offer with the actors’ guild negotiating committee. The contents of the offer have not been completely disclosed. Though even if a deal is reached, it would still have to be ratified by union members before it can go into effect. Currently, there is an online petition signed by more than 5,000 members to push the union to stand firm on the original demands made by them.

SAG-AFTRA wanted an 11% minimum rate increase at first, and the studios countered with a 5% increase, though they seem to have settled on a 7-8% increase. This is the most significant increase in 40 years. There are also big names in Hollywood wanting to pay the union more in dues in an effort to end the strike earlier.

AI is also a major dispute between the union and AMPTP. They have resolved some of the issues by changing the language surrounding AI, and they made a new way to calculate streaming residuals. This along with AI protections and more pension and health funds were provided. 

After four months, the wage increase, AI agreement, and more benefits should be enough to sweeten the deal and end the strike.