In an unprecedented present of solidarity, SAG-AFTRA’s two main political factions have joined forces to type a unity slate to endorse the reelection of president Fran Drescher and secretary-treasurer Joely Fisher in an election can be held later this summer season.

Two years in the past, Drescher was elected president on the high of the ruling Unite for Energy ticket, whereas Fisher was elected on the opposition MembershipFirst slate.

The choice to affix forces comes on the heels of the unanimous vote of the guild’s oft-fractious board to suggest a strike-authorization vote, which was subsequently accepted by 98% of the membership. The union is presently getting into what may very well be the ultimate week of its negotiations for a brand new movie and TV contract; the present contract expires Friday.

“This present of solidarity brings tears to my eyes,” Drescher mentioned. “I’ve been operating a nonpartisan administration, reaching throughout the aisle to symbolize and honor these member leaders who might not have supported me in 2021, however have now pledged to take action in 2023. We stand upon the precipice of a brand new daybreak. And with this present of solidarity we have now develop into all of the extra empowered.”

“We’re witnessing a paradigm shift,” Fisher mentioned. “Fran has opened the door to unification – this collaboration will lastly convey that to fruition. This comes at a time when the membership actually wants the complete weight of their union preventing for his or her inventive and financial beliefs, not in opposition to one another. This most essential and historic contract negotiation takes heart stage.”

The 2 Los Angeles-based factions say that they may also assist a unified slate of candidates vying for open seats on the nationwide and the Los Angeles native board, and as delegates to the sixth SAG-AFTRA Nationwide Conference.

“This unified group is dedicated to addressing the existential threats posed by unregulated use of AI and machine studying, residual formulation that don’t compensate performers pretty, unreasonable self-taping calls for, and extra,” they mentioned in a joint assertion. “SAG-AFTRA members have by no means been extra centered and united. As such, each Unite for Energy and MembershipFirst select to grab this uncommon alternative, come collectively to maximise our power, and show what we already know – that SAG-AFTRA is the world’s strongest leisure union.”

A full listing of candidates of the brand new unity slate can be introduced by August 9.