SAG-AFTRA extends negotiations deadline

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Actors and hollywood producers have agreed to extend contract negotiations, avoiding a possible strike for now.

The contract between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) was set expire June 30, and union members voted to authorize a strike if no agreement was made.

According to a joint statement from both groups, the contract will now expire on July 12 at 11:59pm.

The SAG-AFTRA actors are calling for increased base pay, protection from artificial intelligence, and better benefit plans.

Union President Fran Frescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a message to union members that "no one should mistake this extension for weakness."

The parties will continue to negotiate under a mutually agreed upon media blackout.