The SAG-AFTRA union election is heating up with a call for an external mediator to assist in resolving the ongoing actors strike, now nearing two months. Challenger Maya Gilbert-Dunbar, who is contesting against incumbent president Fran Drescher, criticized the latter’s approach, urging a stronger demonstration of urgency in renegotiating terms with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Echoing this sentiment, Peter Antico, running for secretary-treasurer, emphasized the necessity for a “neutral third party” to foster calm and constructive discussions. This election sees the union advocating for stringent safeguards against artificial intelligence misuse, improved minimum wage rates, and a share in the booming streaming revenues.
Under Drescher’s leadership, which initiated in 2021, the union has witnessed its first substantial strike against dominant studios in over four decades, with demands encompassing a rise in minimum rates and a portion of streaming profits. Despite a strong endorsement from the union members for the strike, there has been an apparent impasse with the studio heads, with accusations of greed and unwillingness to cooperate echoed by Drescher. The ongoing turmoil has spurred a rare show of unity between the Unite for Strength and Membership First factions in the forthcoming elections to avoid internal disputes amidst the strike. However, a divergence of opinions on vital issues, including the handling of COVID-19 vaccine mandates by the studios, has led to a faction of members breaking away to contend as independents, bringing new dynamics to the elections.
Despite the ongoing strife, Drescher is poised for reelection, with results expected to be announced soon. She and her running mate, Joely Fisher, have been praised for fostering unity and steering focus towards the “real opponent,” the studios. The collaborative spirit exhibited during the talks is anticipated to be mirrored in the election outcome, potentially marking a transition away from the established party system, as members like Caitlin Dulany express a desire to see the party dynamics dissolve, giving way to more collaborative efforts in the future. This election hints at not just a decisive juncture in determining the leadership, but perhaps a seminal shift in the operational dynamics of the union.
