The several news outlets are reporting this morning that the Screen Actors Guild will ditch its chief negotiator as ongoing contract talks continue to stall. In an article posted online this morning, the Hollywood Reporter says:
SAG national executive director Doug Allen, a lightning rod for criticism during the ongoing contract talks with the studios, is on the way out as chief negotiator.
The development is an indicator that moderate elements of the board now have the votes to derail the proposed strike-authorization vote. With the leverage that a yes vote would provide gone, SAG leadership would have few options but to send the studios' final offer to its membership for approval.
During Monday's national board meeting in Los Angeles, sources said, it became clear that moderate board members from the Hollywood-based faction Unite for Strength and the New York and regional branch divisions had the votes necessary to strip Allen of his title of chief negotiator, which is mandated by his contract. A resolution calling for his ouster was working its way through the parliamentary process at the board meeting late Monday.
The Los Angeles Times reports:
Board members of Hollywood's biggest union moved closer Monday night to ousting the guild's chief negotiator in a revolt against his handling of contract talks with the studios and impatience over bargaining strategy in the face of a worsening economy.
A coalition of Screen Actors Guild board members introduced a resolution calling for Doug Allen, the guild's executive director and chief negotiator, to be fired. The move was the latest sign of turmoil in a union that has a history of internal strife and warring among its members.
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