Pact, Bectu and British Equity welcome actors’ strike deal

UPDATED with net worth statement, 3:28 a.m. PT: Equity has now issued a brief statement about the strikes. In a message about We stand in solidarity with all those who stood strong in this action and we wish SAG-AFTRA all the best in the deliberations on the content of this agreement.

EXCLUSIVE: British producers’ organization Pact and television and film union Bectu have welcomed the SAG-AFTRA/AMPTP agreement, which aims to end the actors’ strike.

The consequences of the agreement are already being felt on the other side of the Atlantic. John McVay, chief executive of the Pact, said the news meant British manufacturing companies that had stopped or postponed projects with SAG members would now see work get back on track.

Bectu’s Philippa Childs praised union members for “persevering through this unprecedented time and showing solidarity with their union colleagues across the US” after SAG-AFTRA reached an agreement with the studios after 118 days of action. Hollywood is expected to be back up and running within weeks, while several international productions are also expected to resume.

“Pact welcomes the news that the SAG/AFTRA negotiating committee has voted unanimously to accept the AMPTP offer,” McVay said in a statement to Deadline. “In addition, the news that work can resume will be welcomed by Pact members who had to postpone the production or development of projects involving SAG members.

“Pact and Equity recently agreed terms for a three-year contract to increase minimum payments under our own agreement,” he added. “We are also meeting with the union in a constructive and collaborative forum to discuss the use of AI.”

AI has been the latest sticking point in US strike negotiations and has also become an issue in British labor talks. As Deadline revealed, ITV and Equity have for the first time worked on a ground-breaking deal that includes AI provisions – showing how the topic has become an international conversation.

Bectu’s Childs said: “We congratulate our SAG-AFTRA colleagues on their determination to maintain an agreement that meets their objectives. We warmly welcome this news after an incredibly difficult time for our members and the wider UK film and television industry.

“I would like to thank Bectu members for coming through this unprecedented time and showing solidarity with their union colleagues in the US. It cannot be underestimated how much British film and television workers have suffered as a result of the AMPTP’s failure to reach an acceptable agreement with SAG-AFTRA. This news will be a huge relief and give some hope after months of instability.

“Our members are highly skilled, talented professionals and the backbone of our film and television industry, and we look forward to seeing them back to work as soon as possible.”

Various British productions such as Don’t say anything bad, amateur And silo Season 2 was canceled due to US industrial action that began with the writers’ strike in May.

The trade union federation Equity declined to comment. We understand that leaders are waiting for a better understanding of the content of the agreement before making a public statement.