On November 9, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) ended its strike following an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)

New York, NY – Creatives Rebuild New York’s Executive Director Sarah Calderon issued the following statement in response to the end of the strike and completed negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP:

“SAG-AFTRA, after a historic 118-day strike, has reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP that will support the economic security of union members amidst a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. This agreement was made possible by the activism of artists from all over the country who demanded fair compensation for their labor. 

“Our team at Creatives Rebuild New York has just wrapped up a statewide tour – hearing from artists, some of whom are SAG-AFTRA members, about the economic precarity they face and why living a life of dignity as a working artist is becoming more and more untenable. Participants in our Guaranteed Income for Artists and Artist Employment Programs spoke about how, with the rise of streaming services, residual payments for their work are shrinking. They also shared that they don’t have access to the benefits many 9-to-5 workers rely on – from access to affordable and consistent health care to eligibility for unemployment and retirement benefits. Artists also raised concerns that advancements in AI, if left unrestricted, may further impact their livelihoods. 

“The SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP deal will help address their concerns – improving the compensation structure on streaming platforms, pension and health benefits, and instating guardrails on the use of AI.

“This year, we’ve seen extraordinary efforts by both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA – two unions whose artists and organizers have secured contracts that will yield real improvements for workers. Artists are a critical part of our culture and our economy nationwide and especially here in New York. At Creatives Rebuild New York, we will build on the tenacity and unity of artists at this moment to support the dignity and economic security of all artists across New York State.”