The next chapter in Hollywood’s year of labor unrest could unfold as soon as 7 tonight.
Nothing’s certain yet, but that’s when the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is aiming to announce the results of balloting on its new contract. Officials at an independent tabulation firm in Washington state were expected to begin counting the votes just after 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
If an overwhelming number of AFTRA members participated in the balloting, it could take a bit longer to tally the results.
In an unusual display of inter-union bickering, the Screen Actors Guild has been urging AFTRA members to reject the contract between their guild and the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers. SAG mounted an expensive lobbying campaign to get out its message.
Even if the AFTRA contract passes, observers will be paying close attention to how the vote breaks down. If the contract is overwhelmingly approved, it could take away SAG’s leverage in its own talks with the AMPTP.
The AMPTP last week made what it called a “last, best and final offer” to SAG. The actors’ guild said Tuesday that it will deliver its response to that offer on Thursday.