The Producers Guild of America on Thursday said it stands “in solidarity” with the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, saying in a statement on Instagram that by going on strike, the two union’s members are making a “monumental sacrifice” in an effort to bring about “meaningful change” in Hollywood.
“The Producers Guild of America stands with SAG-AFTRA as its members make the difficult decision to strike against the studios, companies, and streamers that make up the AMPTP. As the second major union to take this bold step, our industry stands at a pivotal moment in time. the combined actions of SAG-AFTRA and the ongoing writers’ strike signify a monumental sacrifice by actors and writers, one that is aimed at driving meaningful change within our industry,” the statement said.
“We believe that fair compensation and essential benefits, including access to health care–are a critical concern and the inherent right of every individual working in this industry. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues,” the statement concluded.
The PGA’s statement in support of SAG-AFTRA’s decision to join writers in striking follows similar statements by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the Teamsters, the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and of course WGA.
Earlier Thursday, DGA president Lesli Linka Glatter said, “The Directors Guild of America is extremely disappointed that the AMPTP did not fairly and reasonably address the important issues raised by SAG-AFTRA in negotiations.” Glatter also said DGA is “proud to stand with actors and writers in their fight.”
SAG-AFTRA formally announced the strike in a press conference held at noon in Los Angeles on Thursday. But the strike in every other aspect already under way after talks between the guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers ended at midnight the night before without agreement on a new contract.
Shortly after the deadline passed, SAG-AFTRA negotiators announced they had unanimously voted to recommend a strike, a recommendation that was unanimously agreed to by the guild’s national board on Thursday morning.
More to come…
