SAG: Opposition Grows to Strike Authorization

Developments over the last few days:

• SAG leaders met with business managers and publicists, and, separately, with agents, to brief them on SAG’s positions and plans. SAG apparently did not win any converts at the meetings.
• A Hollywood-based SAG member, Keri Tombazian, launched a website called http://www.SAGDecision.com, as a hub for materials opposing a strike authorization.
• Today, the AMPTP sent out a letter to politicians in key film-producing states—Cal., NY, Ill. and Mich.—blasting SAG’s refusal to make a deal. Reportedly, the letter may go out to additional states as well.
• Also today, members of the NY SAG Board began what Back Stage’s blog describes as a “regional uprising,” releasing a letter opposing a strike authorization. Similar letters are expected over the weekend from multiple regional leaders around the country.
• UPDATE: In response to the NY Board members' letter, SAG President Alan Rosenberg will be calling an emergency national board meeting, “for the purpose of discussing the ramifications of this extraordinarily destructive and subversive action of the New York Board,” according to a SAG statement. FURTHER UPDATE: The meeting will be this Friday, all day, in person, in LA.
  
• UPDATE: SAG announced a "solidarity campaign" in which members can electronically sign a statement of support for a strike authorization. The campaign launched with 31 signatures, including 12 SAG National Board members, and also including a number of celebrities.