SAG invites AFTRA

It's hard to know where this will lead (if anywhere) but leaders of the Screen Actors Guild are reaching out to Hollywood's other union - the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists - to join them in their contract talks that get started tomorrow. SAG's offer, which was unexpected, comes after AFTRA angrily split off from SAG over a squabble about representation on one of the soap operas. Up to now, the two unions have negotiated jointly for the last 27 years. No word yet from AFTRA on SAG's invitation. A joint effort would certainly make life easier for all parties; AFTRA's separate contract talks are set to begin April 28, and if it comes to a quick deal and the SAG negotiations drag on, it'll create all kinds of problems about shared jurisdiction. You see, lots of actors belong to both unions. (Variety)