SAG-AFTRA Strike Support Rally at Seattle Gasworks Park

SEATTLE — Since July 14, some 160,000 members of SAG-AFTRA who work in the television and movie industry have been on strike against the American Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents Hollywood’s studios and production companies. They are part of the first Hollywood double-strike in 63 years, as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike since May 2.

In both cases, the unions want contracts that protect their livelihoods in the era of digital streaming. Studios and production companies are using technological advances — including artificial intelligence (AI) that can replicate actors’ likenesses and voices — to make it harder to earn a living in those industries. Compensation and residuals have shrunk dramatically for most writers and performers during this shift.

When you think of actors on strike, you might think of movie stars. But the vast majority of people on strike are folks you might never notice: background actors, voiceover artists, and other working-class people, including many in the Seattle area and throughout Washington state. And as the strike drags on, they need our support and solidarity.

TAKE A STAND — All union members and supporters are invited to join April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and other area labor leaders at a Strike Support Rally for SAG-AFTRA at Seattle’s Gasworks Park, 2101 N. Northlake Way, on Friday, July 28 at 10 a.m.

If you can’t make it to the rally, you can support striking workers by donating to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, an emergency assistance program available to SAG-AFTRA members in urgent financial need due to the strike.

Also, consider making a contribution to the Entertainment Community Fund, which supports all workers in the entertainment industries and gives living expense grants to those in need. All who are affected by the this work stoppage — including those members of IATSE, DGA, Editors Guild, and members of all of the entertainment unions and guilds — and eligible for assistance through the fund.