April 28, 2010
"We have reached an understanding with the AMPTP to begin formal negotiations for a new agreement in mid-November of this year, after the scheduled AFTRA-SAG negotiations begin on October 1.
"As is our custom, we will engage with the AMPTP to clarify and narrow the issues before the beginning of formal negotiations. We will use these discussions to confirm that both parties are committed to negotiating a fair agreement that will protect the economic and creative rights of DGA members while accomplishing the important objective of keeping our industry working in this challenging period.
"Following our traditional practice, the DGA began serious preparations for these negotiations well in advance of our contract expiration. In January, the National Board appointed Gil Cates as Negotiations Chair. Our consultants and research department have begun updating our business and revenue forecasts and assimilating the data collected in the last few years. Our councils, committees and staff have also begun their work to identify issues and prepare proposals.
"Our full Negotiating Committee will be appointed in June and will begin meeting this summer to prepare the DGA proposals.
“We wholeheartedly support SAG's and AFTRA's decision to move forward with joint negotiations and wish them every success when they begin their own negotiations with the AMPTP in October."