Hollywood Actors Union Joins Writers Strike Amid Contract Dispute, Disney CEO slammed move as ‘disturbing’

In a historic move, the actors union in Hollywood has voted to join the ongoing writers strike, escalating tensions between the entertainment industry and its workforce. The decision was made by union leadership just hours after the contract between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the actors union expired, and negotiations came to a halt.

The strike, which began in early May with the Writers Guild of America, has now gained the support of the actors union, marking the first time both guilds have simultaneously picketed since 1960. The actors union’s decision to join the strike comes as no surprise, as prominent actors such as Matt Damon and Jamie Lee Curtis expressed their solidarity and support in the days leading up to the vote.

Taking to Instagram, Curtis passionately advocated for the strike, invoking the spirits of past performers to fight for their rights as creators. She mentioned her involvement in the upcoming Disney movie “Haunted Mansion” and emphasized the importance of preserving the artistic contributions of actors. Curtis also highlighted the need to protect health care benefits for those on the fringes of the industry, whose residual payments provide crucial support.

Echoing Curtis’s sentiments, Damon emphasized the necessity of fair contracts to protect the interests of actors, particularly those who rely on residual payments for their livelihoods. He underscored the significance of healthcare coverage, revealing that residual payments determine whether many actors qualify for health insurance, making it unacceptable for those payments to dwindle.

While the actors union’s decision has garnered support from its members, industry leaders are expressing concerns about the potential consequences of a prolonged strike. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, voiced his worries during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” stating that the timing could not be worse as the industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Iger expressed his disappointment, describing the strike as a damaging development that would have widespread repercussions throughout the industry. He emphasized the collateral damage to individuals in supportive services and regional economies. Despite Iger’s concerns, the actors union maintains that negotiations have been hindered by the AMPTP’s refusal to engage in meaningful discussions.

Fran Drescher, former star of “The Nanny” and current president of the actors union, accused the production companies of stonewalling negotiations. Drescher emphasized that until the companies are willing to negotiate in good faith, reaching a mutually beneficial agreement would be impossible.

In response, the AMPTP expressed disappointment at the actors union’s decision, asserting that the union had dismissed their comprehensive offer, which included historic pay and residual increases, improved pension and health contributions, audition protections, and an innovative proposal safeguarding actors’ digital likenesses using artificial intelligence.

As the writers strike enters its third month and the actors union intensifies its protest, the entertainment industry finds itself at a crossroads. The outcome of these disputes will undoubtedly shape the future of labor relations within the entertainment business and potentially redefine the rights and compensation of its creative workforce.

The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA urge the AMPTP to return to the negotiating table in good faith, seeking a resolution that addresses the concerns of both parties. Until then, the entertainment industry faces a period of uncertainty as the strike’s impact reverberates throughout Hollywood and beyond.