Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546062
sagaftra.org | Summer 2026 | SAG -AF TR A 17 T he SAG-AFTRA National Board adopted a resolution on July 25 publicly opposing the Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, asserting its support of the attorneys general from a dozen states who have filed suit to block this action. The union demands that the acquisition not proceed unless there are enforceable safeguards against reduced U.S. production by the studio, as well against loss of journalists' jobs. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said, "Our members have every right to expect that the government will do thorough regulatory oversight when a deal of this magnitude takes place. The workers in this industry should not have to rely on promises and aspirational statements. These companies have the ability to commit to making more films and shows in this country and they should. This isn't a conversation about shareholder value, it's about the survival of the entertainment business in America." SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said, "This consolidation must not go forward absent binding assurances that production won't be reduced or be outsourced to cut costs, and that any trends in that direction will be reversed. A handshake, a smile and the promise of good intentions are simply not enough. Paramount's assertions that this merger is good for competition, good for creators and good for consumers are contradicted by past experience and the reality on the ground." The resolution also expressed solidarity with the Writers Guild of America, which has begun its own suit, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which is urging regulators to include safeguards in the deal. SAG-AFTRA Supports Lawsuits Challenging Merger of Paramount, Warner Bros. QVC Group Employees Unionize With SAG-AFTRA Q VC Group hosts, which includes hosts on QVC, HSN and Omni Channel, voted in July to join SAG-AFTRA in a National Labor Relations Board vote. The result was 80% in favor of unionizing with SAG-AFTRA. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said, "QVC Group hosts are dedicated professionals who have played a key role in making QVC Group a leader in the live, social shopping industry. Like everyone, QVC, HSN and Omni Channel employees deserve fair compensation, AI protections and a stronger voice in decisions that affect their work. All of SAG-AFTRA's 160,000 members are proud of these individuals for bravely exercising their right to unionize, and we stand with them as they begin bargaining for their first contract." SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said, "The strong show of support for unionizing reflects QVC, HSN and Omni Channel hosts' professionalism and resolve to improve their workplace and build a better future for themselves and their colleagues. SAG-AFTRA anticipates good faith bargaining and a spirit of collaboration and respect from QVC Group as their employees begin the process of achieving a contract they deserve." On June 15, the hosts presented a petition to QVC Inc. management to voluntarily recognize the union based on demonstrated supermajority support. The petition stated concerns about artificial intelligence, particularly the use of their image, voice and likeness without informed consent or fair compensation as key reasons for the employee's decision to engage in collective bargaining. Greater transparency and equity in compensation, clearer standards for career advancement, a stronger voice in decisions affecting their work and greater job security were additional issues QVC and Omni Channel hosts wanted to address. Membership Termination Procedures Resume During the pandemic and strikes, SAG-AFTRA suspended terminations for members in arrears and provided multiple dues relief options. With those temporary measures now concluding, regular membership termination procedures will resume Nov. 1 in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Constitution. Affected members have received direct communications with multiple notices and continue to have an opportunity to bring their accounts current before the deadline. G E T T Y I M A G E S