Go on Strike or Not?
Monday, Dec 22, 2008 2:08AM / Information
/ Members only
Here it is, the holiday break coming soon. And SAG (the Screen Actor's Guild) is still talking about another strike. Many West Coast members say yes. While others in New York say no.
If they did call a strike, what would the ramifications be? In this global recession?
First, roughly 5% of SAG membership are fulltime actors. Which means that the other 95% have those day jobs. SAG has some of the best health care benefts and other protection for their members.
If they did strike, would you see Tom Hanks working at Burger King to help make those mortgage payments? Probably not. Instead, the rich and powerful top 5% would ride it out comfortably while the rest will struggle.
At that point, it's a power struggle. Who's got more money and power to hold out longer? Yeah, it's a great soundbite when Kevin Spacey says "don't f**k with our union." But keep in mind that he has the day job as artistic director at the Old Vic in London. And a production company. Just in case the movie thing doesn't work out.
What's your view on this? Are you happy with your SAG membership? If you're based abroad and want to break into the States, is this a good thing? What's your actor's union like where you are?
Please post your thoughts. I think this could be a pretty wild and diverse thread.
Entry comments (0)