Internet skeptical about outcome as SAG-AFTRA ratifies strike-ending contract with Hollywood studios

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On Tuesday, December 5, SAG-AFTRA union members formally came to a conclusion over the labor issues in Hollywood that had stalled film and television production by accepting a three-year contract with major studios. 

Actors received compensation hikes, protections regarding the use of AI, and bonuses based on streaming in the contract, which the union claimed was worth over one billion dollars. It was praised for having "extraordinary scope."

According to SAG-AFTRA, 78% of voters were in favor of the agreement with Walt Disney Co (DIS.N), Netflix Inc (NFLX.O), and other Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers members (AMPTP), as reported by Reuters. 

Strike-ending contract seen as an enormous victory for working performers

With a turnout of 38.15%, the contest ended on Tuesday night with 78.33% voting "yes" on the agreement and 21.67% voting "no," among the union's 160,000 members. 

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the new agreement will now go into force retroactively to June 9 and last until June 30, 2026, after the union leadership voted to ratify the contract. 

In a joint letter to members, union President Fran Drescher and national executive director Duncan Crabtree Ireland stated, "This contract is an enormous victory for working performers, and it marks the dawning of a new era for the industry. Getting to this point was truly a collective effort."

The new three-year contract improves the minimum salary rates by 7% in the first year of the agreement and by 4% and 3.5 % in the following years. SAG-AFTRA values the deal at over one billion dollars, which is more than three times the value of the union's 2020 agreement.

The agreement introduces a success-based streaming incentive, lays out new guidelines for self-tapes and virtual auditions, and sets additional limitations on the use of artificial intelligence. It also specifies when consent and payment are needed.

In addition to incorporating performance capture work into its contract as covered union labor for the first time, the union increased the "caps" on contributions to its pension and health programs.

The extensive agreement also mandates the use of personal contact coordinators for scenes involving nudity or sex.

This establishes a new $40 million fund to compensate performers for future viewings of their work on streaming platforms and contains provisions to "ensure that sets have proper hair and makeup for all performers," as per The Guardian.

According to AMPTP, the new deal offers "historic gains and protections for performers. With this vote, the industry and the jobs it supports will be able to return in full force."

Internet reacts to SAG-AFTRA ratifying strike-ending contract

Following the SAG-AFTRA actors union approving a three-year contract with major Hollywood studios, netizens took to online platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their opinion on the latest announcement.

One wrote, "Wait.. so less than 30% of SAG voted for this contract and it's moving along? That's.. weird."

Another noted, "Usually it’s a higher number of yes’… well we will see what happens with this new contract. A number of actors voicing concerns over certain things."

"Glad it is over. Don't think Fran will stay on as president much longer, she lost more than she gained...but she did get it over the finish line in a little less than 5 months," stated a person.

Someone else added, "I understand they wanted more, but sometimes you have to appreciate what you’ve gotten and how far you’ve come. By wanting more you might lose what you already have!"

"This is proof that when people are in solidarity for a good course, positive change will occur," said one more. 

An individual wrote, "78% of 38% means that only 30% overall of the union voted in favor with most not voting at all, but the majority decided to strike? This is why no one takes them seriously. How about show up to vote.."

"The other SAG members should've told the organization and the studios that they needed more time before voting or to recreate the contract (s)," suggested one.

A netizen stated, "Get ready for the actors strike: part 2 in like a couple years lmfao their contract was dogwater compared the one writers got," while a person pointed out, "Odd that only 38% submitted a ballot."