While details of the response have not yet been disclosed, an agreement still seems out of reach with continued disagreement on ‘several essential items.’
SAG-AFTRA has delivered a response, crafted over a 12-hour session on Sunday, to The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers’ (AMPTP) recent “last, best, and final” offer, according to Variety. The details of the message have not yet been revealed, although the union has expressed disagreement with “several essential items.”
Dear #SagAftraMembers:
This morning our negotiators formally responded to the AMPTP’s “Last, Best & Final” offer.
Please know every member of our TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee is determined to secure the right deal and thereby bring this strike to an end responsibly. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/1PwqaoNXAJ— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) November 6, 2023
A resolution to the 116-day actors strike may hinge on this response, as AMPTP has indicated that their previously submitted offer is its best possible and no further negotiations will be offered. The offer includes protections against AI, increases to the current minimum rates, and a “success bonus” for streaming shows.
Many of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee members have voiced their dissatisfaction with the aggressive “best and final” offer and called for a more favorable deal despite the studios’ resolute stance. However, if an agreement is reached, production can resume in January. Meanwhile, union members continue to picket across New York and Los Angeles.