SAG-AFTRA National Board decided unanimously to send an Authorization Vote to Members of the Union. SAG-AFTRA has a TV/Theatrical Contract negotiation with the Alliance of Motion Picture Television Producers (AMPTP) beginning June 7. The board unanimously voted to recommend that its members vote to authorize a strike. SAG -AFTRA represents more than 160,000 entertainment and media professionals.

"For the first time in a very long time, our member leadership stands in solidarity at the negotiating committee and the National Board levels on moving forward with a strike authorization. We must get all our ducks in a row should the need present itself," said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. "The prospect of a strike is not a first option, but a last resort. As my dad always says, 'Better to have and not need than to need and not have!' Therefore, I implore eligible members to follow the leads of both the negotiating committee and the National Board with an unprecedented show of solidarity and make three a charm with an emphatic 'yes' for a strike authorization vote!"

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland explained, "Strike authorization sends an important message during the negotiations process. A 'yes' vote gives the National Board the power to call a strike if the AMPTP does not negotiate fairly in our upcoming bargaining. This will be a seminal negotiation that will determine the future of what it means to be a working performer. We must be ready to fight to secure a meaningful deal for our members."

A successful strike authorization vote doesn't initiate a strike. Instead, the strike authorization permits the National Board to declare a strike if the studios and streaming companies fail to negotiate fairly with SAG-AFTRA for the benefit of its members.

The current SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Agreement expires at midnight on June 30, 2023.