The SAG-AFTRA Strike and Why the Government (cluser A) Wasn't Involved

Moria Algren - November 1st, 2023

With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence, many questions have been raised concerning the ethicality of using a computer to create works of art, school essays, and even writing scripts for T.V. shows and movies. Many have started to anticipate the integration of A.I. into our everyday lives, predicting different developments it might take; for example, creating movies or T.V. shows with the digital likeness of your favorite actors. While artificial intelligence response apps such as Snap Chat A.I. and Chat GPT are extremely popular among the internet and businesses, legitimate concerns from those whose jobs are directly in danger due to A.I. have risen. This concern was brought to the forefront this June by the writer’s union SAG-AFTRA when they threatened to go on strike if film corporations refused to enact safeties from Artificial Intelligence along with other improvements of writer’s work conditions. The film companies refused these terms at first and so July 14, 2023, SAG-AFTRA was on strike.

On the union’s official website, SAG-AFTRA released an official statement regarding the strike at the Beginning of June stating, “In a powerful show of solidarity, SAG-AFTRA members have voted…in favor of a strike authorization ahead of negotiations of the TV/Theatrical Contracts…” (SAG-AFTRA) What a strike authorization means is that SAG-AFTRA was not striking, but was prepared and cleared to strike in case the negotiations were not in favor of the writer’s collective interests. The union stated that the decision was impertinent as, “Every three years, SAG-AFTRA enters negotiations with Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) on the TV/Theatrical Agreement, which covers most of our members’ work in scripted film, television and new media. We are scheduled to start negotiations for the 2023 contract on June 7.” (SAG-AFTRA) It is important to note that over the past 20 years the value of writers decreased with studios requiring longer working hours with less pay. These meetings that occurred every three years would cover writer's wages, creative freedom, and of course, protections against artificial intelligence determining the future of writer’s careers. In anticipation of a negative outcome, a vote was held on June 5, 2023 where 48% of the union's eligible voters cast their ballot with 99% voting in favor of a strike authorization.

On social media many writers, actors, and celebrities spoke out in favor of the strike demanding that they be paid fairly for their work and when the strike hadn’t been resolved after July, many were wondering whether the government would step in to help protect the writer’s rights, yet nothing happened. Unlike how some might suggest, a lack of government involvement does not display signs of a failing government nor is it bad, it actually is a sign of democracy. In the 1920’s the government created many different regulations regarding the rights of workers including the right to participate in a union and go on strike. These legislations stated that unless a union’s strike was affecting the functioning of the United States Government and remained peaceful, the Government would not step in to resolve it. This ensures the operation of a free market economy where workers and businesses can create their own rules and regulations regarding a company without fear of government involvement. 

On September 27, 2023 at 12:01 A.M, the SAG-AFTRA strike concluded officially with writer’s being granted fairer pay, protections against abuses, and protections against Artificial Intelligence. Not only was the strike monumental in its display of solidarity for worker’s rights, but it also raised questions about the ethicality of A.I. enacting some of the first protections against it. Currently there are no legislations protecting different professions from being replaced by artificial intelligence, but the jobs that were in the most danger of being abused by A.I. have garnered protections due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Officially as of September 25, the United  Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (U.A.W) have also gone on strike against Ford and General Motors for more protections and better wages further displaying the freedom of the American market.

   “SAG-AFTRA Strike Authorization Vote.”SAG-AFTRA News, Published June 6, 2023, https://www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-strike-authorization-vote