SAG members back guild

Variety, 9.17.08
Poll finds support for negotiations strategy
By DAVE MCNARY

In a sign that the SAG stalemate with the majors will persist, an overwhelming number of SAG members responding to a guild survey have endorsed the current strategy of holding out for a better deal.
More than 87% of the 10,293 respondees backed SAG leaders, who have insisted that the guild must receive better terms than those in the final offer by the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers.

Wednesday’s announcement of the results hardened positions on both sides. Even though the poll generated less than 10% response from the 103,630 dues-current members, SAG leaders trumpeted the numbers as a clear demonstration of strong rank-and-file support for the guild’s stay-tough stance.

In response, the AMPTP ridiculed SAG’s poll as "a farce." The group insisted again that it’s not going to revise the final offer it made in June — and gave a strong hint that it may reduce the deal’s value should the economy continue to sour.

SAG national exec director Doug Allen said the response reflects the "resolve" that leaders have seen from members since negotiations started in April.
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