AFTRA declines Screen Actors Guild's debate request

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_9605945

The Associated Press
Article Launched: 06/16/2008 06:19:18 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES—The number two actors union has declined a request by the Screen Actors Guild to hold a two-hour debate before members on its tentative contract with Hollywood producers.

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists turned down the request in a letter by its president, Roberta Reardon.

Reardon says the debate would be divisive and serve no practical purpose.

AFTRA plans to send ballots to its members over the next few days to ratify the three-year contract.

The results are expected around July 7, a week after both unions' current contracts expire.

The Screen Actors Guild opposes that deal, and says it undercuts its own attempts to secure better terms for prime-time TV shows and movies.

[Drum]

1. Sounds ominous.... nt