The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, a significant event in Hollywood's labor history, officially concluded with a tentative agreement reached on November 8, 2023. This agreement marked the end of a prolonged period of labor disputes that had commenced on May 2, 2023, encompassing both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Media outlets frequently referred to this period as the "Hollywood double strike," highlighting the rare occurrence
of two major unions striking simultaneously. The resolution of the SAG-AFTRA strike was a culmination of intense negotiations and member advocacy.
Reaching a Tentative Agreement
Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) were a complex process, with discussions taking place over several weeks. Meetings continued from November 1 to November 3, 2023, indicating the ongoing efforts to find common ground. On November 4, SAG-AFTRA's lead negotiators informed members that they had received an offer from the AMPTP, which the studios characterized as their "Last, Best, and Final Offer." The union's negotiating team then began a thorough review of this proposal, considering it within the context of their critical demands.
Deliberations continued over the weekend, with SAG-AFTRA sending a statement to its members on November 5, confirming that the negotiating team had "analyzed and thoroughly discussed the AMPTP's counter proposal all day and well into the night." These discussions extended into the following week. On November 6, SAG-AFTRA communicated to its members that despite the AMPTP's offer, "several essential items" remained unresolved, with artificial intelligence (AI) being a key point of contention. That same evening, reports indicated that a virtual meeting concluded late, with plans to resume negotiations, suggesting progress was being made.
Finalizing the Deal and Member Approval
On November 7, SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP met again. A "guild source" reportedly told Deadline Hollywood that the parties were "very close" to a deal, emphasizing that strong protection language was being put in place. However, a deal was not finalized that day, and talks were scheduled to continue on November 8. During this period, guild president Fran Drescher was reportedly contacted by A-list stars inquiring about the imminence of a deal, underscoring the high stakes and widespread anticipation within the industry.
The breakthrough came on November 8, 2023, when SAG-AFTRA announced to its members that a tentative agreement had been unanimously approved by their TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee. The strike was officially suspended as of 12:01 a.m. on November 9, and all picket locations were closed. Following this, the SAG-AFTRA National Board approved the agreement on November 10, with a majority of 86% in favor. The summary of the tentative agreement was subsequently released on November 13, 2023, providing members with the details of the new contract. Voting among SAG-AFTRA members commenced on November 14, and the contract was officially ratified on December 5, with over 78% of members voting in favor, and a turnout of 38.15%.
