SAG President Fran Drescher Holds Press Conference in NYC Regarding Strike

Photos By: Bruce Cotler and Samantha Cotler

Story By: Emily Cotler

The great Fran Drescher, president of the Screen Actor’s Guild, returned to her hometown of New York City Tuesday to meet with the New York City Council about a resolution that would support fair negotiations for SAG-AFTRA and the WGA amidst contract discussions.

According to the City Council, more than 185,000 New Yorkers have employment through the entertainment industry, and make up an estimated 6.5 percent of New York City’s annual GDP. Approximately 170,000+ individuals are now out of work while they demand better wages, better healthcare, and better protections from rapidly evolving technology.

Actors and writers alike came out to make their voices heard at the conference, where Drescher continued to call out executives’ greed and lack of empathy for the people who keep the industry running. Actors like Michelle Hurd walked the picket line down by city hall, and the crowd comprised of many people who also worked behind the scenes, who have been hurt by the increasing move to the streaming service model- paying everyone involved significantly less.

The SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike is ongoing.

NEW YORK, City Hall Park , The New york City Council votes on a resolution in support of WGA and SAG-AFTRA Michelle Hurd

NEW YORK, City Hall Park , The New york City Council votes on a resolution in support of WGA and SAG-AFTRA Fran Drescher President SAG-AFTRA