British entertainment union hold rallies in solidarity with striking US actors

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Members of UK's performing arts union Equity on Friday held a protest in the capital London and Manchester in solidarity with striking US actors.

Simon Pegg, Brian Cox, David Oyelowo, Andy Serkis, Hayley Atwell were among the hundreds who took part in protests, extending solidarity with members of the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the Equity’s sister union in the US.

It came after the negotiation for new contracts failed between the SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), as some Hollywood stars have taken part in the picket lines this week, joining striking members of the Writers Guild of America, who have been on strike for over two and half months.

Speaking at the rally at the Leicester Square in London, Scotch actor Brian Denis Cox who is known for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, said that they "are at thin end of horrible wedge."

“What is important to Sag actors is health and they need that. That’s why they need their residuals,” said Cox, who is also well known for his role in Troy, as King Agamemnon.

He said the situation is harder in the US due to the lack of a national health service.

Also touching on the challenges posed by Artificial intelligence (AI) were the "worst aspect" of the dispute, Cox said they should fight against "unacceptable position" posed by the AI.

Meanwhile, Equity expressed unwavering solidarity with their "brothers and sisters" in the US, hailing today's demonstrations in Manchester and London.