AFTRA tells members it's 'making progress' in talks with AMPTP

Leslie Simmons

May 16, 2008, ET

As AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers continue their negotiations, the union sent its members an e-mail newsletter Thursday indicating that though it's limited in what it can divulge about the current talks because of a media blackout, the union is "making progress."

The e-mail, sent by AFTRA president Roberta Reardon, said that 31 working performer members are part of the primetime negotiating committee, chaired by Matthew Kimbrough. The committee has been "laboring diligently and responsibly in talks with the (AMPTP) regarding a new three-year agreement to Exhibit A of the Network Code," Reardon wrote. "We're making progress — and the negotiating committee will be providing you with an update very soon."

Talks between the two sides started May 7 after formal negotiations between SAG and the AMPTP ended without a deal the day before.

Exhibit A of the Network Code covers primetime TV dramas and sitcoms repped by AFTRA, including "Rules of Engagement," " 'Til Death" and "The Reaper."

The current contract expires June 30. (partialdiff)

AFTRA tells members it's 'making progress' in talks with AMPTP

Leslie Simmons

May 16, 2008, ET