In 1960, SAG and the WGA coordinated a joint strike, with the WGA leading the charge for improved compensation, including health and pension benefits, higher wages, and increased residuals for television and reruns.
What happened the last time SAG and WGA went on strike together?
The last time the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Screenwriters Guild of America (WGA) went on strike together was in 1960. The WGA went on strike on January 16, demanding better compensation, including contributions to health and pension funds, higher wages, and higher wages for their work. shown on television or through replays.
Following suit, SAG began its own strike on March 7, 1960, focused on securing residuals for films sold to TV networks. This historic event marked the first example of a double strike in the industry. The SAG strike ended on April 18, 1960, with an agreement waiving remaining payments for films made before 1960.
Instead, they received residuals for all films made from 1960 onwards and received a one-time payment of $2.25 million from the producers, which was used to set up the SAG pension and health plan. However, the writers’ strike lasted until June 12, 1960. During the negotiations, the WGA achieved significant successes, including revolutionary provisions such as the introduction of residuals for motion pictures.
This included receiving a 1.2% license fee when features were licensed for television. The WGA also provided an independent pension fund, an industry health insurance plan and a 4% residual for domestic and foreign television reruns, as noted on the WGA website.
When was the last time SAG and WGA went on strike?
The 1960 strikes involving SAG and the WGA saw notable figures involved in labor disputes. Ronald Reagan, who would later become president of the United States, played a key role as president of SAG and led negotiations with Hollywood studios. The SAG strike had a significant impact on the film industry, causing eight feature films to halt production.
Among the films affected were notable works such as Elizabeth Taylor’s Butterfield 8, Gina Lollobrigida’s Naked in the World, Jack Lemmon’s Maddest Ship in the Army and Marilyn Monroe’s Let’s Make Love. These films, along with many others, featured notable stars, including Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, who along with their fellow actors actively participated in the work stoppage.
What is SAG-AFTRA?
The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is a prominent labor union representing approximately 160,000 professionals in the motion picture, television, radio and media industries worldwide. Its membership includes actors, journalists, radio personalities, recording artists, singers, voice actors, internet influencers, models and other media professionals.
SAG-AFTRA was formed on March 30, 2012 by the merger of two well-known unions: the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), founded in 1933, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), originally founded in 1937 as the American Federation of Radio Artists and later included television artists in 1952.
As a member of the AFL-CIO, the largest union federation in the United States, SAG-AFTRA operates within a broader network of labor organizations. In addition, the union is affiliated with the International Federation of Actors (FIA), an international organization representing performers globally. SAG-AFTRA plays a key role in protecting the rights and interests of its members.
The union negotiates collective agreements, sets industry standards for compensation, working conditions and benefits, and provides support and resources to its diverse membership. Through its advocacy and representation, SAG-AFTRA strives to promote fair treatment, protect intellectual property rights, and ensure the well-being and professional development of its members in an ever-evolving media environment.
What is WGA?
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is a collective body consisting of two different labor unions that represent writers in various platforms such as film, television, radio and online media. These unions are the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) based in New York and affiliated with the AFL-CIO, and the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) based in Los Angeles.
While the WGAE and WGAW are separate entities with their own operations, they participate in joint efforts in certain matters such as contract negotiations and coordinated strike action. This unique approach allows them to advocate for the rights and interests of writers in the entertainment industry.
WGAE and WGAW play a key role in protecting the professional and creative rights of writers. They negotiate collective agreements on behalf of their members to ensure fair compensation, working conditions and benefits. These agreements establish industry standards and help ensure that writers are properly recognized and compensated for their contributions.
In addition, the Writers Guild of America supports its members by providing resources, legal assistance, and professional development programs. It serves as a platform to connect writers, share knowledge and solve common problems within the industry. Through their ongoing efforts, WGAE and WGAW strive to promote the value of writers and their significant contributions to storytelling and entertainment.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education