SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator to address UK crew

SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has declared that “we will win this fight” as he prepares to discuss the latest developments in the actors’ strikes in the US with UK crew today. 

In a webinar hosted by Bectu, Crabtree-Ireland will defend the ongoing industrial action, which has brought many productions to a standstill, and will share the latest prospects for a resumption of negotiations. He will also take questions from audience members.  

Ahead of the event, Crabtree-Ireland called the strikes an “important next step” towards ensuring studios and streamers respects the “creativity and hard work” of TV workers including crew.  

“SAG-AFTRA’s strike is not just a fight for fairness for US performers. The issues in this negotiation resonate for workers in film and television worldwide,” he said. 

“For far too long, media conglomerates have exploited creative workers around the world, holding down wages and refusing basic protections. But now actors, writers, and others are taking a stand and demanding fair and respectful treatment.” 

He added: “Standing together in solidarity, we will win this fight.” 

Crabtree-Ireland will be joined by head of Bectu Philippa Childs, Bectu national secretary Spencer MacDonald, and Equity general secretary Paul W. Fleming. 

Childs said it is an “incredibly challenging” time for many Bectu members, saying the impact on crew is “severe and cannot be underestimated.” 

“We are committed to ensuring that the film and TV sector, and those who work in it, continue to thrive, and that includes taking a stand against unacceptable terms and conditions either in the UK or with our colleagues abroad,” she added.  

“This is a fight with many of the same employers who frequently undervalue crew in the UK, and therefore our solidarity with US actors and writers is important for raising standards domestically and globally.” 

Crabtree-Ireland’s appearance, at 7pm, this evening comes as negotiations within the writers’ strikes look set to resume, with the WGA currently mulling a counterproposal from studios. 

Bectu members can contact lpd@bectu.org.uk if they have not received an invite to the webinar.