Armed with an overwhelming strike authorization vote and an activated membership, the performers’ union is seeking to tackle the snowballing issues of A.I. and streaming residuals: "If there is a deal to be made,

Union president Fran Drescher called the vote, aimed at improving the organization's leverage prior to its negotiations with studios and streamers, an "achievement."

The SAG-AFTRA actors union and the group representing major Hollywood studios agreed not to talk to the media during contract talks that started on Wednesday. The actors' union is seeking pay increases and protections around the use of artificial intelligence in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP),

Hollywood's actors union voted to authorize a strike if contract talks break down, turning up the heat on major film and television studios already grappling with a monthlong work stoppage by writers.

The actors' union, which has roughly 160,000 members, voted overwhelmingly to strike if negotiations with studios turn sour.

AFTRA voted Monday night to authorize a strike if they don’t agree on a new contract with major studios, streamers and production companies by June 30.

Sag-Aftra president Fran Drescher tells more than 60,000 union members she is proud of them