Magaziner Holds Labor Roundtable with Striking RI Members of SAG-AFTRA

Warwick, RI — Today, Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) held a labor roundtable discussion with Rhode Island members of SAG-AFTRA who have been on strike while seeking better pay, benefits, and working conditions.

“Every worker deserves to be fairly compensated for their work,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “Fair pay and benefits means that SAG-AFTRA members can afford health care, groceries, and housing. I encourage all parties to come to the table in good faith and negotiate an equitable contract for all.”

“Our demand for fair compensation isn't just about the numbers – it's about the recognition of our talent, our dedication, and our value,” said Andrea Lyman, SAG-AFTRA New England Local President. “SAG-AFTRA will not give up until we receive our fair share of residuals, a reasonable increase in rates to keep up with inflation and real, true, protections for our voices and images from Artificial Intelligence. We will continue to fight for a fair and equitable and respectful contract and we will win.”

On June 5, 2023, SAG-AFTRA voted in favor of a strike authorization by 98%. Among SAG-AFTRA’s requests are increased minimum pay rates, increased streaming residuals (neither of which have kept up with inflation), safeguards from AI, and improved working conditions. Additionally, royalty payments – which are dependent on the number of a show’s reruns – have plummeted due to streaming. Many actors rely on these residuals to supplement their income until their next role. 

The SAG-AFTRA labor strike comes at a time when CEOs of the major media conglomerates earned an average of $32.6 million in salary, stocks and other perks last year. Over 1,000 Rhode Island members of SAG-AFTRA have been impacted by the strike.