June 9, 2008

AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), which has always done less for it's members than SAG, may be happy with the new proposed AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) contract, but SAG members, led by current SAG President Alan Rosenberg and and former SAG President Ed Asner, were out in force on Wilshire Blvd, with numbers estimated at between 500 and 1000.  As the members marched, they repeatedly shouted in unison, "Vote no."  Actors were supported by members of the Writers Guild of America and other unions and guilds. 

The crowd gathered around and cheesed as Alan Rosenberg expressed the opposition of Screen Actors Guild members to the new proposed contract.  Actors were clear that the benefits were terrible and that they wold strike before agreeing.

There have been past efforts to bring AFTRA and SAG members into one union.  AFTRA members would prefer SAG dues and benefits as SAG works harder to better contracts for its members.  Most TV roles are worked under SAG contracts.  Soap operas and some cable TV shows often involve AFTRA contracts.  Screen Actor's Guild members are fighters and they are not going to stand up for their rights, pay and benefits. 

Young actors and actresses were out in force, protesting the contract.  Young actors have also seen the appreciation SAG has for its youth.  In 2006, at the annual meeting of the Screen Actors Guild, the membership voted by about a 3 to 1 margin to support the lowering of the voting age in U.S. elections. 

Even dogs came out to protest the AMPTP contract.  When you can't win over the dogs, you probably have a losing contract.

Copyright ©2008 by the Creative Youth News Team.  All rights reserved.

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