* The AMPTP Responds !! *alert The SAG Board of Directors Has Voted to Request Federal Mediator and Send Strike Authorization to Members !!

The Screen Actors Guild National Board Of Directors issued this statement today:

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October 19, 2008) – The Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors today passed the following resolution at its quarterly plenary in Los Angeles:

"In hopes of moving the Theatrical and TV negotiations forward, the national board hereby takes the following actions:

A request is just that. The AMPTP can refuse to mediate. But, then if they do, PR wise it could put them in a bad light, making them appear inflexible, while shifting more of the blame to them for causing a strike---and it would make it more likely that the members would okay a strike authorization.

The Board adds four new members to the National Negotiating Committee, two from the Hollywood Division, one from the New York Division and one from the Regional Branch Division.

Ah, okay, I’m not sure what this will accomplish unless of course a fist fight breaks out in the negotiating room. Personally, I don’t think Doug Allen would have much of a problem kicking Nick Counter’s ass. But seriously, I wanta tell you that I imagine what USAN and the branches are hoping a couple of UFS members are put on the committee…ah, okay, but, but then they would have to add Eric Bogosian to the New York contingent.

The Board authorizes a referendum and accompanying educational information be sent to the members requesting their authorization for the National Board to call a strike in the Theatrical and TV Contract, at such time as the Negotiating Committee determines in its sole discretion that the mediation process has failed."

Approval of the strike authorization would require 75 percent approval of members who vote.

"We hope mediation will help move this process forward. 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," said Screen Actors Guild National President Alan Rosenberg.

"Our number one goal remains securing a good contract without a strike," said SAG National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Doug Allen. "I am pleased by the board’s strong show of support for the national negotiating committee and look forward to meeting with the federal mediator and AMPTP representatives as soon as possible."

Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) negotiating committees met for 44 days of formal negotiations and have not yet reached a successor agreement to the TV/Theatrical Agreement that expired June 30, 2008.

The board further resolved to add four new members to the negotiation committee, two from the Hollywood Division, one from the New York Division and one from the Regional Branch Division.

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I haven’t studied this thing completely, but, but it seems to me the two sides of the National Board have reached a reasonable compromise--and they are to be congratulated.

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Well, you have all read the resolution passed by the SAG Board on Sunday October 19, 2008. Which stated:

“In hopes of moving the Theatrical and TV negotiations forward, the National Board hereby takes the following actions:

SAG will formally request a federal mediator be brought into the negotiations.

Adopted: 96.72% to 3.28%

Well, the AMPTP has posted the following “Breaking News” statement on their website.

Hmmmm…rather ambiguous, huh? The AMPTP posts the above October 19th, 2008 statement, with no explanation or reference to SAG’s October 19th, 2008 resolution. Instead they follow it with a September 29th, 2008 letter to SAG NED Doug Allen and President NED Alan.

I love the part about "Other Means." Bless their little "Whipsawing Hearts," they couldn’t even bring themselves to mention the “M” word…ah, mediator!

Now, let’s analyze this carefully written statement a little closer. First off, like I said, it isn’t really a response at all but a bit of rambling rhetoric, or what as know is the trade as vamping.

It starts with a little self-serving bragging followed by a dash of wishful thinking. And then avoids a direct YES or NO, and, instead, argues that there is no justification for SAG to expect anything in excess to past negotiated deals in, ah, ah, better times. No, no "NO" nowhere in that sentence.

Then it, beats around the bush, with more ambiguity. Why, folks, no matter what SAG does—whether authorizing a strike, or following a “Different Approach,” Oh go ahead and say it guys a FEDERAL MEDIATOR…Ah, it will not change the harsh reality that currently confronts our industry.

Hmmm, again…well, I don’t know about you, folks, but, but, that didn’t sound like a definite NO to the Ol’ Dog.

A little aside, to our old buddy Nick Counter. A Nick, best you remember that Ol’ Showbiz adage “Never let them see you sweat!”