Hollywood actors to strike after contract talks end without deal

SAG-AFTRA poised to strike
(Image credit: Mario Tama / Getty Images)

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing 160,000 actors, is expected to go on strike as soon as Friday after the actors union and Hollywood studios failed to reach a contract deal before a Wednesday midnight deadline. SAG-AFTRA's negotiating committee voted unanimously to recommend union leaders call a strike when they meet Thursday morning. A solid 98% of actors guild members voted to authorize a strike in early June.

The studios, represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), called in a federal mediator on Wednesday — SAG-AFTRA agreed but called it a "cynical ploy" to extend negotiations — and both sides reportedly remain far apart on issues ranging from residuals for hit shows on streaming services to rules for using artificial intelligence.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.