A unanimous recommendation of the SAG-AFTRA TV/ Theatrical negotiating committee and National Board to authorize a strike was initiated back in May.

The vote went out to members and SAG-AFTRA members have voted 97.91% in favor of a strike authorization ahead of the negotiation June 7 with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The current SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical contracts expire at midnight on June 30, 2023.

"The strike authorization votes have been tabulated and the membership joined their elected leadership and negotiating committee in favor of strength and solidarity. I’m proud of all of you who voted as well as those who were vocally supportive, even if unable to vote. Everyone played a part in this achievement," said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. "Together we lock elbows and in unity we build a new contract that honors our contributions in this remarkable industry, reflects the new digital and streaming business model and brings ALL our concerns for protections and benefits into the now! Bravo SAG-AFTRA, we are in it to win it."

The strike authorization does not mean the union is calling a strike. "This strike authorization means we enter our negotiations from a position of strength, so that we can deliver the deal our members want and deserve," said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.

The authorization came from 65,000 members casting ballots for a voting percentage of 47.69% of eligible voters.