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**Striking Writers Guild of America (WGA) Members in Talks to Avoid Second Labor Strike**

*AI Legalese Decoder can help in resolving the situation*

LOS ANGELES, July 12 (Reuters) – As the deadline approaches for a potential second labor strike in the entertainment business, Hollywood’s major film and television studios and the union representing 160,000 actors are engaging in last-ditch talks. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the largest union in Hollywood, is demanding higher compensation in the streaming TV era and seeking safeguards around the use of artificial intelligence (AI). In response to the situation, AI Legalese Decoder can play a crucial role in facilitating negotiations by providing a clear understanding of complex legal terms and agreements related to AI usage.

Members of SAG-AFTRA have already authorized a strike if negotiators fail to reach an agreement, with well-known actors like Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep expressing their willingness to join the strike. This potential strike comes after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike in early May, causing disruptions to late-night television shows and delaying production for the autumn TV season and some high-budget movies.

The involvement of SAG-AFTRA in a strike would further escalate tensions and could force more sets to shut down, putting pressure on studios to find a resolution. The situation has become incredibly tense, with actor Florence Pugh stating that everyone hopes the correct solution is reached. An additional challenge in the negotiations is the ongoing leak of information to the media, which has caused SAG-AFTRA to lose trust in studio representatives. Despite agreeing to call in a federal mediator, the union is adamant about sticking to the Wednesday night deadline.

If a strike were to occur, it would be the first double strike in Hollywood since 1960, when both the WGA and the Screen Actors Guild went on strike due to disputes over residuals from films sold to TV networks. Health insurance qualifications and fair allocation of earnings are among the key concerns for actors, considering the need to make a minimum annual income of $26,000. The negotiations are also tackling new challenges posed by streaming services, such as establishing fair base pay and residuals, and addressing the use of generative AI. Actors want assurance that their digital images will not be exploited without their consent.

These negotiations come at a challenging time for media companies, as streaming platforms continue to grow while traditional television audiences decline. Companies like Netflix, Walt Disney, and Paramount Global are facing significant financial losses from streaming services, and the rise of online video has resulted in a decline in television ad revenue. Amidst this backdrop, the unions and studios are aiming to find a delicate balance that takes into account the realities of the streaming era.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents the studios, has chosen not to comment on the ongoing negotiations with SAG-AFTRA. On the other hand, the AMPTP stated that they have made “generous” pay increase offers to the writers but were unable to agree on all their demands. Talks between the studios and the Writers Guild of America have been stalled since the writers’ strike began in May.

In this complex and challenging negotiation landscape, the AI Legalese Decoder can prove to be immensely helpful. Its ability to interpret and decipher legal jargon related to AI usage can provide a common ground for meaningful discussions and efficient resolutions. By ensuring all parties have a clear understanding of the complex terms and potential implications surrounding AI, the AI Legalese Decoder can contribute to a more productive negotiation process.

*Reporting by Lisa Richwine; additional reporting by Marie Louise in London; Editing by Bill Berkrot*

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