Although I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild, I haven't been reporting much on the contract negotiations much ballyhooed in the press in recent days.
For the most part, it's because I have been ticked off with the way the negotiators have been handling the talks.
Notwithstanding, disruptive factions within SAG have upset the status quo to serve their own selfish ends.
And, that is unsettling too.
For instance, when the issue of a potential strike arose, an upstart group referring to themselves as the "Rebels" - consisting of a few high-profile actors such as Ben Affleck and Kevin Bacon - cried out for a mind-boggling approach to the issue.
Because a large percentage of actors in the guild don't work full-time - and (in their opinion) had nothing to lose if a strike was called - bozos like Affleck and Bacon were urging a stipulation that only full-time actors be granted the privilege to vote on the contract negotiations.
In a follow-up post, I criticized the "Rebels" for taking an elitist approach.
After all, one of the original missions of the Guild, was to ensure that all actors were equal in the eyes of the "shop" - whether they be an extra, a day-player - or full-fledged star.
In closing, I noted in that scathing review of their misguided efforts, that their so-called solution to the problem was a dangerous one because it played into the hands of the producers.
In closing, I posed a question.
Have you never heard of the old axiom, "Divide and Conquer"?
Shortly after that post, the rebels faded into oblivion, for some inexplicable reason. (!)
Even still, as the contentious talks continued between the negotiators and the producers, factions within the guild threatened to split SAG asunder.
So, at the next Board election, members scrambled to promote their candidates to ensure their "voices" would be heard at the bargaining table.
Unfortunately, the votes were almost split, and SAG ended up with two warring factions deep within the heartbeat of the guild.
Since then, negotiations have been sluggish.
Each week - on average - I have received about three e-mails updating me (!) on the clever maneuverings "going down" on both sides in the contract dispute.
But, no cigar!
Although some contend that our sister Union (AFTRA, of which I am dues-paying member also) was smart to negotiate and strike a deal early, I disagree.
As usual, the negotiating team sold the membership down the river!
Unfortunately, SAG has gone too far the other way.
What irks me most is the "paper tiger" approach.
Guild negotiators threaten to strike, but don't.
It's gotten to the point now - that when the sceptre rears its ugly head as a potential bargaining tool - the producers just shrug - yawn - and respond accordingly.
Ho-hum!
At a crucial stage of the "game", SAG has finally initiated proceedings for a referendum to vote on a strike.
Once again, though, the powers-that-be at SAG have screwed up.
Now that SAG has tipped their hand - and warned the producers about a potential strike in January - the studios and independents have been given ample opportunity to get all their "ducks" in a row before that eventuality.
Stupid!
Personally, I think that one day - out-of-the blue and without so much as a peep - all actors on all sets and sound stages around the country should swiftly and stridently march off the job.
Then, we'll have 'em by the short and curlies.
After all, a sudden stop in production - and a vital loss of revenue - is the only action capable of landing a knock-out punch.
Maybe then, the producers will be ready to strike a deal!
