Sean Astin, known for roles in 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Rudy', has been elected as the new president of SAG-AFTRA, succeeding Fran Drescher, and is the son of actress Patty Duke. He won the election with 79% of the vote and will lead the union representing around 160,000 entertainment professionals amid ongoing industry strikes.
Former President Donald Trump criticized UAW President Shawn Fain as a "dope" after the union endorsed President Joe Biden. Trump called for Fain's removal and urged support for himself, promising to revitalize the automobile industry. The UAW endorsed Biden last week, citing his support for American workers, while Fain expressed disbelief at any union backing Trump. Trump is set to meet with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters next week, as they have not yet endorsed a presidential candidate.
Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) labor union leading the ongoing strike against major U.S. automakers, earned a salary of $347,389 last year, placing him in the top 5% of earners in his home state of Indiana. Fain has been a vocal advocate for autoworkers and has criticized corporate greed and income disparity. While striking UAW members receive $500 a week in substitute pay, it is unclear if Fain has taken a pay cut. Some workers have called for an increase in strike pay and for union leaders to accept a pay cut. The strike has expanded to Ford's profitable truck plant in Kentucky, and negotiations with the automakers continue.