Good news for the media moguls!
A band of actors are challenging the leadership of the Screen Actors Guild in an upcoming election because they’re not happy with how the union has handled deal negotiations with the studios.
They’re also displeased with the rift that’s developed between SAG and the ‘other’ actors union, AFTRA.
Actors have been working without a contract since June 30th, the date its 3-year contract with the moguls expired.
The SAG group called ‘Membership First’ has been in control of the union’s national board since the current guild president was elected three years ago.
Membership First supporters include Elliott Gould and Valerie Harper.
The group of challengers calls itself “Unite for Strength”. Their goal is to win a majority control of the union board by Membership First.
Unite for Strength members include Adam Arkin, Amy Brenneman, Doug Savant, and Kate Walsh.
“We can no longer afford leaders who sow division,” Unite for Strength leader Ned Vaughn said.
An insider shines a light on what would likely happen, should Unite for Strength wrestle control:
“If the challenge slate gains control, it will probably move to fire the executive director, change the composition of the negotiating committee, and the studios will probably sit down with them pretty promptly and negotiate a deal.”
So, no strike?!
Election ballots will go out to members on August 19th and are due back to the union by September 18th.
Leave it to actors to stir up drama!
[Image via Starbux/WENN.]