On the Picket Line

Minnesota unionists rally to back striking screen actors

By Helen Meyers
October 16, 2023

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Around 75 union members and supporters rallied here Sept. 30 in solidarity with striking Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, joined by members of Writers Guild of America, who are discussing a proposed contract.

“I am here to support those who support us. This has been a humbling experience and it’s my responsibility to be out here,” Alex Tivis, a member of United Auto Workers Local 125 on strike against Stellantis in Plymouth, told the Militant.

The rally was organized by the Twin Cities local of SAG-AFTRA and by International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 13. Members of the UAW, Teamsters, Minnesota Federation of Teachers, and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers unions joined the action in chanting, “Fair wage not minimum wage!” and singing union songs led by striking actors.