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Date: 9/26/2023
NORTHAMPTON — Members and supporters of New England chapter of Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists rallied in Pulaski Park on Sept. 21 to continue the fight for better wages and protection against AI technology.
“Hey hey, hi hi, we are actors not AI,” chanted a crowd of over 75 people; many of whom held signs reading “SAG-AFTRA Strong” and dawning T-shirts that said “SAG-AFTRA on Strike.”
Passerby cars on Main Street beeped to show their support for the union workers while others strolling on the sidewalk showed their solidarity by briefly joining in on the chants.
“We stand here, not just as individuals, but as a force fueled by the collective spirit of our industry,” said Andrea Lyman, the president of the New England chapter of SAG-AFTRA. “Our voices echo the unwavering determination of SAG-AFTRA workers; of all union workers.”
SAG-AFTRA, an American labor union that represents approximately 160,000 media professionals, officially went on strike against the studios and streamers represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers back in July.
With that decision, SAG-AFTRA joined the Writers Guild of America for the first joint strike in 63 years. Both unions are asking for fair wages, greater benefits and protections against artificial intelligence.
Gary Galone, a Massachusetts native and SAG-AFTRA member since 1989, has appeared in many films and shows over the years, including small roles in Best Ensemble winners.
Galone said he had the busiest stretch of his acting career a couple of years ago when he worked on four different projects for four different streaming services. One of the projects was “CODA,” the Best Picture winner from 2021, which Apple TV bought for $25 million.
Despite the lucrative purchase and longstanding success of “CODA,” Galone said his residuals after two-and-a-half years have not scratched $1,000. Like many actors on strike, he said he did not qualify for tier 2 medical benefits in 2022, as well.
“It’s wrong, and we have to continue to fight,” Galone said.
Aside from greater wages and residuals, actors continue to express concern about the technology being used to replicate their image for the future without any compensation.
In a previous interview with Reminder Publishing, local set medic Ellyana Stanton said that AI cannot replicate or emanate that of human emotion.
“I really think that as actors, we go through rigorous training and methodical trainings, countless trainings to really focus on the character we’re given and bring that character to life,” she said. “And we do that by being vulnerable and changing that of what we might be outside of that role so that when someone sees this character, they can relate. And I don’t think AI should take that away.”
Stanton, who started as a background actor before landing her first role in a film back in 2008, said that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has attempted to scan background actors, pay them half a day’s rate, and then use their image for eternity without further compensation or consideration for what that actor may think down the road when they see that same image being used time and time again.
Lyman also emphasized the challenges with AI’s industry infiltration during the rally.
“We refuse to be overshadowed by technology,” said Lyman. “We demand protection against the encroachment of AI, ensuring that our craft retains its human touch.”
A few other SAG-AFTRA members and labor union organizers spoke during the rally, including Patrick Burke, the president of United Auto Workers Local 2322.
During his speech, Burke said that the work SAG-AFTRA is currently doing inspired the auto union to demand increased wages, benefits, and job protections from the Big Three car companies, General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. He said more than 13,000 are on strike for that movement right now.
“The fact that you have been on strike for multiple months now and are holding fast is so important and inspiring to workers over the country,” Burke said, of SAG-AFTRA.
State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton) also spoke during the rally about how the government needs to be held accountable for this lack of workers’ rights.
“I am here with you, and I want you to keep pushing us to do better for you,” Sabadosa said. “This not getting is contract is unacceptable; it is a failure in one of the richest countries of the world that anyone to have to worry about health insurance or making a livable wage.”