The WGA is picketing “Dancing With the Stars” rehearsals, but SAG-AFTRA, the other union presently on strike, is supporting “DWTS” and its cast members.
A representative for SAG-AFTRA asserts in a resolute statement to Variety that actors on the ABC competition series are not only not breaking the strike’s regulations by appearing on the program, but are also contractually obligated to carry out their commitments to the program.
“The Network Code agreement, which is a non-struck contract, is the contract that our members who appear on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ are working under. They must report to work, are not infringing on SAG-AFTRA strike policies, and we are here to support them while they carry out their contractual commitments, according to a SAG-AFTRA spokeswoman.
The statement goes on to say that “the program is a SAG-AFTRA non-dramatic production on a separate agreement that isn’t subject to the union’s strike order.” “The bulk of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ cast members had commitments to the program under their contracts before the strike. Many are bound by option agreements, and the producer has already exercised their option, so they must return to the program.
SAG-AFTRA says in the statement that its members are bound by a “no strike clause,” which means that the performers have agreed to report to work and to refrain from striking for the duration of the Network Code agreement. (The “Network Code” won’t run out until June 2024; it was approved in 2022.)
The statement reads, “By failing to appear for work, our performers may be found in breach of contract, and the Union is prohibited from advising them not to work.”
It’s important to understand that SAG-AFTRA is not fighting against members who are required to report to work every day in other union contracts or personal service agreements; rather, the organization is fighting against studios. SAG-AFTRA supports the WGA and other unions in the industry. As we acknowledge our responsibility under federal labor law, we stand with our union brethren throughout the sector.
All the cast members of “Dancing With the Stars,” including the two hosts, three judges, and professional dancers, are SAG-AFTRA members. Alyson Hannigan, Jamie Lynn Spears, Barry Williams, Mira Sorvino, Ariana Madix, and Xochitl Gomez are just a few of the famous faces appearing in Season 32 who are also members of SAG-AFTRA. Along with being a member of the WGA and DGA, “Veep” actor Matt Walsh also belongs to SAG. Walsh already declared that he was “pausing his participation” in “DWTS” earlier today. The “Network Code” agreement, which is not a part of the ongoing strike, permits all of these “Dancing With the Stars” performers to work.
Variety has contacted a few “Dancing With the Stars” celebrities to ask about their participation in the upcoming season, which is scheduled to debut on ABC next Tuesday, September 26. However, ABC earlier today said that the network is monitoring the situation and is making preparations to move the premiere date. The situation for “DWTS,” which depends on its celebrity roster, may get increasingly difficult if other cast members withdraw from the season after Walsh. In other words, a show would not exist without the cast.)
Technically, any celebrity cast member who withdraws from “DWTS” due to the WGA strike would be in breach of contract for doing so due to SAG-AFTRA’s Network Code no-strike rule, as was hinted at in the union’s statement above. However, a source close to the production tells Variety that because SAG-AFTRA has informed its members that they are permitted (and required to continue working under the Network Code during its ongoing strike), production is being supportive of any talent who may have concerns amid WGA picketing and intends to defend their right to work on the show.
Picketers have met the “Dancing With the Stars” celebrity cast members this week as they practiced for the show in Los Angeles. WGA members are picketing in an effort to either delay the premiere of the program until after the strike is ended or exert pressure on the cast to withdraw.
The WGA has recently expressed its displeasure with the competing reality show on social media, complaining that it should not continue until the strike is over. WGA members have stated that any cast members who take part in the show will scab to go to work across the picket line. After being singled out by the WGA, daytime programs such as “The Talk,” “The Drew Barrymore Show,” and “The Jennifer Hudson Show” all decided to postpone their fall premieres this week.
The WGA recognizes “Dancing With the Stars” as a covered program because one WGA writer works on the program. However, it is important to note that the show employs about 500 staff people overall, including crew workers and producers. Keeping 500 people employed is everyone’s main concern, a production insider recently told Variety.
Other reality competition programs like “Dancing With the Stars,” like Fox’s “The Masked Singers,” don’t use WGA writers, which enables them to continue airing without facing any backlash from the WGA.
The “DWTS” series was still being produced in 2007–2008. Once the strike was finished, the show re-hired the writer.
With almost no scripted programming during the strikes, ABC is highly reliant on “Dancing With the Stars” for its autumn schedule.