SAG brings in mediator for talks

In a move to jumpstart stalled negotiations, the Screen Actors Guild has asked that a federal mediator join the talks — and has held off on sending out a strike authorization to members.

SAG made the announcement Sunday afternoon at the conclusion of the second day of its national board meeting in Los Angeles. The guild’s resolution to seek a mediator had passed with 97% support.

“We hope mediation will help move this process forward,” said SAG president Alan Rosenberg in a statement. “This action by the board demonstrates our commitment to bargain with the strength of our unified membership behind us. Economic times are tough for all Americans, but we must take a stand for what is fair.”

The Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers didn’t have a specific response Sunday to the notion of bringing in a mediator — indicating that the congloms will need to confer about the request before agreeing to participate in a new round of talks. But the org also warned SAG that it’s not going to revise the final offer it made in June.

“The AMPTP has successfully negotiated four major labor pacts with Hollywood guilds this year, and we would like to close a fifth with SAG,” the group said. “That said, there is simply no justification for SAG to expect a deal that is in excess of what the other guilds negotiated in better economic times. No matter what SAG does — whether it be authorizing a strike or following a different approach — it will not change the harsh reality that currently confronts our industry.”

- from Variety