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'Not quite clear': Internet skepticism grows over reports of tentative deal ending 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike

Amid online skepticism, reports of a tentative deal between SAG-AFTRA and studios emerged, signaling the potential end to the 118-day strike

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) reportedly managed to reach a tentative deal on a new three-year contract on Wednesday, November 8, Deadline reported.

The tentative deal marked the beginning of the end of the 118 days of strike by SAG-AFTRA members that "could see Hollywood up and running again within weeks," the publication noted at the time. 

Shortly after, the SAG-AFTRA took to social media to announce that the strike, which began on July 14, 2023, would be suspended and all picket lines would be closed. 

"12:01 AM (PT). Thursday, Nov. 9. The #SagAftraStrike is suspended. Pickets are closed. We are #SagAftraStrong," the American actors' union wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 

For over seven months, Hollywood saw members of the WGA (Writers Guild Association) and SAG-AFTRA go on strike against the AMPTP over labor dispute in what is considered to be the industry’s first joint strike in more than 60 years.

Netizens skeptical over SAG-AFTRA's tentative deal with AMPTP 

While SAG-AFTRA's tentative deal with AMPTP saw the end of the longest strike in the union's history and gave hope of Hollywood returning back to work after several months, the negotiation left several social media users skeptical. 

"Weird thing is my girlfriend hasn’t received any email from her union about a tentative deal - she still needs to vote, but the press is all over it — what’s that about?" one user asked. 

"It's true? The SAG-AFTRA strike is really over?" another added. "I hope its over for real because the last time they said that it was still goin," one remarked. 

"3 years?! I hope they keep those picketing signs safe somewhere. Something tells me they will be needing them again by summer 2026," a user said. 

"We will see what happens in 2026!" a fifth commented. 

One said, "So we have a tentative agreement however it still needs to get to members & be ratified. Not quite clear what the actual contract details are as AI was a huge issue #SEALteam"

While another added, "They still have to take a vote but this is definitely good news."

What did SAG-AFTRA say about their tentative deal with AMPTP? 

The official X account of the SAG-AFTRA union announced its new three-year deal with AMPTP and confirmed "THE #SagAftraStrike IS OVER" in a lengthy statement thread. 

"Dear #SagAftraMembers: We are thrilled & proud to tell you that today your TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee voted unanimously to approve a tentative agreement with the AMPTP.  As of 12:01 a.m. PT on Nov. 9, our strike is officially suspended & all picket locations are closed," the union began. 

"We will be in touch in the coming days with information about celebration gatherings around the country," the statement added. 

"In a contract valued at over one billion dollars, we have achieved a deal of extraordinary scope that includes "above-pattern" minimum compensation increases, unprecedented provisions for consent and compensation that will protect members from the threat of AI and for the first time establishes a streaming participation bonus," the SAG-AFTRA continued. 

"Our Pension & Health caps have been substantially raised, which will bring much needed value to our plans. In addition, the deal includes numerous improvements for multiple categories including outsize compensation increases for background performers, and critical contract provisions protecting diverse communities," the post mentioned. 

"We have arrived at a contract that will enable SAG-AFTRA members from every category to build sustainable careers. Many thousands of performers now and into the future will benefit from this work," the union announced. 

"Full details of the agreement will not be provided until the tentative agreement is reviewed by the SAG-AFTRA National Board," they stated. 

"We also thank our union siblings — the workers that power this industry — for the sacrifices they have made while supporting our strike and that of the Writers Guild of America. We stand together in solidarity and will be there for you when you need us," the SAG-AFTRA wrote. 

"Thank you all for your dedication, your commitment and your solidarity throughout this strike. It is because of YOU that these improvements became possible. In solidarity and gratitude, Your TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee," the thread concluded. 

The tentative deal will reportedly need to be reviewed by the SAG-AFTRA National Board and will be ratified by a vote of eligible members.