Dear Member,

As President Drescher and I wrote to you yesterday, the union is preparing to enter bargaining with the members of the AMPTP, including Amazon/MGM, Apple, NBCUniversal, Disney/ABC/Fox, Netflix, Paramount/CBS, Sony and Warner Brothers on the TV/Theatrical Contracts beginning June 7, and this could be one of the most consequential bargaining sessions in history.

There has been a sea change in the entertainment industry, from the proliferation of streaming platforms to the recent explosion of generative AI, and at stake is the ability of our members to make a living. We must ensure that new developments in the entertainment industry are not used to devalue or disrespect the performers who bring productions to life.

To show our resolve and to enter into negotiations from the strongest position possible, your negotiating committee and National Board unanimously join in asking you to vote YES and authorize a strike. This does not mean that a strike will occur; it simply allows the National Board to call a strike if an agreement cannot be reached — and that gives the negotiating committee a strong place from which to begin talks.

All eligible members were mailed a postcard today, May 18, with information on how to vote and a personal identification number. Please visit vote.ivsballot.com/sagaftra2023 right away and vote YES on this referendum. Voting will close at 5 p.m. PT on Monday, June 5. If necessary, you can retrieve your PIN number at the voting website by clicking “Find My PIN.”

If you still have questions, find out more at sagaftra.org/contracts2023.

A high turnout voting YES is crucial to demonstrating our resolve and unity. Now is the time for bold action. Make your voice heard.

In unity,

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland

National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator