A news blackout has been in place since Friday morning in preparation for the start of negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists and the media conglomerates. The Screen Actors Guild is controlled by moderates who want to keep the rhetoric to a minimum, a stark difference from the 2008-2009 negotiations. Negotiations are also beginning earlier this year, as the contract does not expire until June 30. While no official statement has been released, sources say that the unions priority will be health care and pensions. The Screen Actors Guild announced two weeks ago that it would cut benefits and raise premiums on its health care plan next year. Negotiations will begin today.
See "Performers unions keep talks off stage", Dave McNary, Variety, September 26, 2010