Looming SAG Strike Gets Supported by Jennifer Lawrence & Meryl Streep

Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep are among more than 300 Hollywood actors who have put their names to a letter sent to the Screen Actors Guild leaders (SAG) that threatens strike if conditions are not met.

With the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike still ongoing, the letter, which also has the support of Glenn Close, Ben Stiller, and Ewan McGregor, threatens to cause even more confusion, chaos, and delays in Hollywood and across the entertainment industry.

But perhaps one of the most significant signatures on the letter that states actors are 'prepared to strike' if the Guild doesn't 'get all the way there' in negotiations with studios, is that of Fran Drescher. Drescher has starred in several movies and TV shows, including This is Spinal Tap and The Nanny. But she's also the president of SAG and has been directly involved in the aforementioned negotiations.

SAG is demanding a new deal for performers, with the letter stating 'we would rather go on strike than compromise on…fundamental points' and claiming that 'the future of our union and our craft will be undermined' if an agreement can't be reached on issues such as steaming residuals, AI involvement in production and healthcare.

The existing contract between SAG and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) expires on June 30, with the letter calling this 'an unprecedented inflection point in our industry' adding 'what might be considered a good deal in any other years is simply not enough' given the current state of the industry.

Support for strike action, if demands are not met, is certainly high. Prior to negotiations getting underway, 98% of SAG members voted in favour of striking – which one would assume gives those representing the organisation a strong hand.

Fran Drescher and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said they 'remain optimistic' and that discussions so far have been 'extremely productive'. They also moved to reassure members that negotiations are 'laser-focused' on a deal that delivers on 'crucial issues' and 'respects (members) contribution to this industry'.

With nothing yet set in stone, and a very real threat of more strike action in Hollywood, industry insiders and fans wait with bated breath to see how the negotiations play out and what impact the current situation has on movie-making.

But one thing seems certain – SAG does not intend to alter its stance. And with A-listers such as Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence onboard, you have to imagine that networks and streaming services have to sit up and take notice.

Source: Deadline.