"Studios Seek Federal Mediator Amid Looming Strike Threat"

Negotiators for SAG-AFTRA and major studios have agreed to bring in a federal mediator to help resolve their bitter contract dispute, but the union has raised doubts about averting a strike. SAG-AFTRA accused the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) of leaking information about the mediation plan and stated that negotiations would not be extended beyond Wednesday night when the current contract expires. The major sticking points include SAG-AFTRA's demand for increased residual payments from streaming platforms and the collection of streaming data by a third-party firm. Union members have already voted in favor of a strike if a deal cannot be reached.