First the Writers Now the Actors - Are More Strikes Looming?

A last-ditch effort by SAG to keep negotiations alive with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers was shuttered Wednesday by sister union AFTRA, which refused to postpone for a third time its scheduled talks with the producers.SAG and the AMPTP broke off talks Tuesday after 18 days of negotiations that resulted in no deal.Meanwhile, AFTRA and the AMPTP sat down Wednesday at 2 p.m. for the first time to negotiate its primetime TV contract, which includes primetime dramas and sitcoms. Talks concluded at 5 p.m. The two sides will resume talks today.In a joint statement, AFTRA and the AMPTP said, "At the start of the talks, both parties expressed their desire to engage in open, productive discussions that will hopefully lead to a resolution that makes sense for both AFTRA and the industry."This is the second time AFTRA and the AMPTP have sat down at the bargaining table. In March, the two groups negotiated a new Network TV Code for its daytime and other members after less than a month of negotiations. AFTRA members ratified the new three-year contract, which begins in November, by a 93% approval.The network code covers various programs, including "American Idol," "Days of Our Lives" and "Oprah."

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