After 118 days of picketing, the actors’ guild announced a tentative agreement for a new contract, marking the end of the prolonged Hollywood standstill. SAG-AFTRA revealed a unanimous vote approving the new deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), officially terminating the strike at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, November 9.
In a message to members, SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee highlighted that the new contract would empower members across categories to build sustainable careers. The guild values the deal at over $1 billion, emphasizing “above-pattern” minimum compensation increases, unique provisions for consent and compensation safeguarding members from AI threats, and introducing a streaming participation bonus. Full details will be disclosed after the deal undergoes the national board’s review on Friday, followed by member ratification voting.
The AMPTP hailed the tentative agreement as a transformative development, providing SAG-AFTRA with historic contract gains, including the most significant minimum wage hike in the past four decades, a fresh residual for streaming programs, comprehensive safeguards against AI use, and substantial contract increases across the board. The industry looks forward to resuming storytelling work.
The strike, initiated on July 14, had actors joining the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America. The impasse centered on issues such as increased compensation, streaming residuals, and AI concerns. The development enables actors to return to work, reviving a dormant industry that experienced a shutdown for almost six months.
The dispute had escalated tensions, with figures like Disney CEO Bob Iger criticizing unrealistic expectations from the writers and actors, while SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher accused studios of greed and criticized their financial allocations. The dual strikes adversely impacted the entertainment industry, leading to halted productions, postponed awards shows, and economic losses estimated at $5 billion for California.
After the writers’ strike concluded in September, the expectation was that actors would soon follow suit. Talks between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP resumed in October but initially hit a roadblock. Negotiations gained momentum later in October, with high-profile members engaging in discussions to find a resolution. The talks continued amid increasing industry concerns, and a sense of urgency prevailed to salvage the remainder of the year. The final agreement reflects compromises on AI-related issues and other critical points, bringing an end to the prolonged standoff. SAG-AFTRA expressed gratitude to its members, fellow unions, and supporters for their solidarity during the strike.
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