Seven-Month Strike: A Lone Battle?

In March 2025, SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly rejected a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), citing dissatisfaction with the protections offered against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in film and television. The vote revealed deep divisions within the union and a growing militancy among actors who felt the agreement did not adequately address the potential for AI to replace human performers. The proposed contract was touted by union leaders as a victory, but many members believed it conceded too much ground to the studios. The core issue was the AMPTP's proposed terms for the use of digital replicas of actors. While the agreement outlined some consent requirements for creating and using these replicas, many actors worried that the language was too vague and allowed studios too much latitude in exploiting their likenesses without proper compensation or consent. Specifically, concerns were raised about the potential for "digital doubles" to be used in perpetuity, potentially eliminating future acting opportunities. The rejection of the agreement signaled a resurgence of worker activism within SAG-AFTRA, driven by anxieties over job security in an industry rapidly transforming due to technological advancements. The vote underscored a growing distrust of union leadership among rank-and-file members. The industry was left facing renewed uncertainty and the prospect of further negotiations to address the fundamental concerns surrounding AI's impact on actors' livelihoods. The only point of contention cited in October was artificial intelligence (AI) protection, and the industry asserted that they had reached agreement on “24 out of 25 proposals.” find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/12/ivug-m12.html