SAG-AFTRA Strike: Collective Bargaining and Fair Wages Post Streaming and AI

On July 14th, the SAG-AFTRA union, which represents approximately 160,000 writers and performers in various fields, went on strike over declining pay as streaming services and other changes affect their compensation, plus the threat that artificial intelligence poses to their professions. Other similar unions such as the screenwriter’s union and the Writers Guild of America have been on strike since May. Despite the glitz and glam of Hollywood, only a small percentage of actors earn enough annually to qualify for healthcare through their union. (Actors need to earn $26,470 annually, including residuals, to qualify for health care coverage through SAG-AFTRA). What are SAG-AFTRA’s demands and what are their main obstacles?

Join us for a conversation with: William A. Herbert, Roosevelt House Distinguished Lecturer and Executive Director, National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions, Erin Fritch, SAG-AFTRA NY Local Board Member & TV/Theatrical/Streaming Negotiating Committee Member, Ezra Knight, SAG-AFTRA NY Local President, and Asher Grodman, SAG-AFTRA NY Member, Actor, Director, Writer and Producer, Hunter Adjunct Faculty.