SAG, AFTRA to see strike authorization over commercials contract?

March 18, 2009 by Lance Carter

Yup, now we may strike over commercials but at least it’s with AFTRA.

Insiders close to the commercials talks said the unions and ad biz negotiators are tussling over three key points:

n The industry’s proposal for a revamp to the compensation model based on gross rating points rather than the traditional pay-per-play method; the unions are asking for an “adjusted tier” model.

n The industry’s proposed reductions of more than $20 million annually in contributions to pension and health plans.

n Terms of a pilot study and whether it should be based only on the industry’s suggested compensation model without an equal study of the unions’ preferred compensation model.

As talks with the advertising industry for a new commercials contract drag into a third week, leaders of the actors unions are moving closer to seeking a strike authorization vote. The unions have already drafted a letter to members seeking the authorization.

After news of the draft letter emerged Tuesday, SAG and AFTRA issued a statement downplaying the importance of the document and asserting that they remain optimistic about reaching a deal. “This is one of many contingency documents that we prepare in the course of any negotiations, particularly as we approach the expiration of a contract,” they added.

Reps for the unions and the ad biz were not available for further comment Tuesday, as both sides have agreed to a news blackout. The contract expires March 31.