AFTRA -- the guild that covers announcers, presenters, dancers, singers and hosts at awards shows -- has weighed in on the WGA's decision to refuse waivers for the Oscars and Golden Globes.
According to AFTRA, members may turn down an engagement if it means having to cross a picket line. But the union also says that once a performer has agreed to accept employment at an awards show, they are also obligated to perform due to the no-strike clauses in AFTRA contracts.
The entire announcement is after the jump.
Dear AFTRA Member,
We have received questions from AFTRA members about their ability to appear as presenters or accepters at upcoming awards shows, such as the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy Awards, and other televised industry awards in light of the ongoing WGA strike. These awards shows are governed by the AFTRA Network TV Code. Hosts, announcers, rehearsal actors (a.k.a. stand-ins), singers, dancers, presenters, and accepters are all covered by the AFTRA contract.
Because of the technical requirements of the Code, we are obligated to advise any AFTRA member who has already accepted an engagement on such a program that the no-strike provision contained in the Code requires you to report and perform the AFTRA-covered services for which you have been engaged.
AFTRA members who have concerns about crossing a WGA picket line at such events, and/or a desire to support their brothers and sisters at the WGA should the strike still be in progress, may—as performers in a freelance business—always respectfully defer accepting an engagement if it presents a moral and personal conflict. AFTRA will support the choice of any member to do so. Once you accept employment, however, the Code's no-strike clause requires you to perform your AFTRA-covered services.
We have been advised that the WGA has granted a waiver of picketing activity for the SAG Awards scheduled for January 27. We have seen reports that the WGA has not granted similar accommodations to other awards programs, and members should take note accordingly. As additional information becomes available, we will post updates on the AFTRA website at www.aftra.com. Please check the website frequently for updates.
AFTRA members are also reminded, in no uncertain terms, that they MAY NOT perform any writing services covered by the WGA for any program subject to the strike.
We all support the writers' effort to negotiate a fair contract, and sincerely hope that the current dispute can be resolved fairly for all concerned and that this advisory will be rendered moot.
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