The union has decided to go on strike after failed negotiations with major studios and streaming services. This marks the first time since 1980 that its members have halted work on movies and television productions due to a lack of agreement.
Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, expressed her discontent with the insulting and disrespectful offers made by the studios' management. She further emphasized that the companies have shown reluctance to engage in meaningful discussions on certain topics while completely stonewalling others. Drescher stated that until the studios negotiate in good faith, a resolution cannot be reached.
The union's governing board unanimously approved the strike after the negotiating committee recommended it. Additionally, the union's rank and file members voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike with a 98% majority. At a news conference held at the union's headquarters in Los Angeles, Drescher made it clear that the union would not accept contract changes that fail to align with the current industry dynamics. She expressed dissatisfaction with making incremental changes to a contract that no longer reflects the evolving business model imposed upon them.
While the strike garners support from numerous influential A-listers, Meghan Markle's attempt to join the SAG-AFTRA strike has been met with rejection. Unfortunately for Meghan, the American actors' union does not recognize her as an actress, preventing her from associating herself with the A-list crowd. It is worth noting that Meghan had previously obtained a SAG actor card through her Emmy Award-winning father, which she boasted about during her infamous "I was such a fraud" moment. In this incident, she admitted to misleading casting agents about her membership in SAG in order to secure a role in the television series "Suits."
Furthermore, the lack of acceptance from the union highlights the sussexes' struggle for success within the Hollywood realm. Their failed attempts in the entertainment industry would only be further underscored by Meghan's involvement in the strike. While the strike gains momentum, it becomes apparent that Meghan's presence is not desired by the striking actors. None of the participants have expressed the wish for Meghan Markle to speak on their behalf, as prominent figures like Julia Merrill and Bradley Cooper have already taken a firm stance.
If Meghan were to pursue alternative avenues, such as promoting her ideas to Netflix, she may find limited opportunities given the absence of new material during the strike. It remains uncertain if Netflix, or any other platform, would be eager to collaborate with her. Alternatively, Meghan may choose to blame external factors once again for hindering her aspirations of becoming the queen of Hollywood production dreams.
Once the strike concludes, the major studios will likely recruit talented writers for their hit shows. Harry and Meghan, on the other hand, might be left waiting for smaller opportunities or consider seeking writers from overseas. However, this approach may not endear them to the community of Hollywood writers, who will remember their production company's lack of solidarity with underpaid and under-appreciated writers in America.
It is possible that behind the scenes, Meghan is reaching out to anyone and everyone, offering her writing and acting services while expressing willingness to cross the picket line. It wouldn't come as a surprise if we see staged photos of her and her children distributing inspirational bananas to those on the picket line.
