In another sign of the actors' resolve to avoid a strike, union leaders said they are presenting studios with their smallest list of demands in years, hoping to prevent minor issues from bogging down talks. Union leaders, did, however, outline a number of key areas of concern. Union officials say residuals are critical in sustaining actors through periods of unemployment. SAG also has said that boosting minimum salary scales, particularly for working-class TV actors, is a major concern in light of a trend by producers to pay everyone but series regulars at scale plus 10 percent to cover agent commissions. Studios have asserted that the skyrocketing salaries commanded by big stars leave a smaller share of their casting budgets available for other performers.
Union leaders argue that lesser-known actors still deserve a living wage.
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