First off, I'm always going to take the side of the unions against producers. That said, I cannot believe the mismanagement within SAG right now. One of the rules to which I adhere is that the perception of X is as bad as X itself. For example, the perception of United States as torturing prisoners makes it (though not morally) irrelevant as to whether we actually are or not. Everyone thinks we are is what matters. With SAG, the perception of ineptitude and discord within its ranks is managing to undermine any steady ground from which to negotiate. In the end, all actors look bad - we're a bunch of loose cannons, disorganized, who cannot even negotiate together due to infighting. Who's on the right side, SAG or AFTRA? I couldn't care less. The point is, actors lose out.
There are many issues for the unions to address, and they are falling dangerously behind. New media, sure. But how about figuring out a way to guarantee actor's quotes, earned over time, for work performed. What about leveling higher dues on our most wealthy members to support the crumbling health fund? SAG and AFTRA are losing themselves to age-old politicking while producers laugh and actor's suffer.
The Unions should take a page from the Democrats. Time to find unity, or at least the perception of it.
