SAG, AMPTP Talks Postponed

LOS ANGELES: The long-awaited resumption of talks between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Hollywood producers has been postponed following news that the union’s president is filing legal action over the ousting of his chief negotiator.

SAG and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) were scheduled to resume negotiations today. A joint release from the two organizations said that the meetings were postponed after "a notice of intent to file a complaint" was received.

Press reports indicate that SAG’s president, Alan Rosenberg, is challenging the recent ousting of chief negotiator and national executive director, Doug Allen. David White was named interim national executive director, while John McGuire has taken on the role of chief negotiator. Rosenberg and SAG VP Anne-Marie Johnson are said to be planning a suit to reinstate Allen and the union’s former negotiating committee, alleging that the ousting was unwarranted and "undemocratic." The latest turn in the ongoing SAG saga could delay the resumption of talks by several weeks. SAG members have been working without a contract since June 30. The membership is said to be divided over the prospect of a strike action in light of current economic conditions.