What’s wrong with this picture?

Re “Plot twist in union talks: stars vs. stars,” June 30

As a member of both the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, I find it disingenuous of Sally Field, James Cromwell, Tom Hanks and others to allow themselves to be shills for a less-than-adequate contract.

When, pray tell, was the last time any of these stars worked under an AFTRA contract or even had to worry about contract minimums? I wish they would support their fellow artists; but hey, most of these actors are producers also, so I wonder where their true allegiance lies?

Seth Burben

North Hollywood

The Times leaves out any mention of probably the single most important clause in the AFTRA deal: the sunset clause. The leaders of SAG are not only maligning the deal but also AFTRA for taking a deal that they say does not properly cover online streaming and DVD residual increases. There is currently no business model for the former but a rapidly changing business model for the latter.

The sunset clause addresses both and more. It specifically gives AFTRA the right to begin auditing information for residuals after 18 months and completely renegotiate in three years. This is a major concession that should have rendered all complaints about the proposed AFTRA deal moot.

I am not in either union, but my business is affected by any actions either union takes. Although none of the terms are ideal, not only does the AFTRA proposal keep actors working but the sunset clause makes it highly feasible.

Neil Hassman

Brentwood

With the SAG strike looming like a dark cloud over the movie industry, I just wanted to say that I went on strike in January against a declining theater experience and increasing prices to see uninteresting films.

Thus far, no one has phoned me to renegotiate my position.

Matt Rowe

Costa Mesa

Re “Cliffhanger,” editorial, June 30

Kudos to The Times for delivering more sense in its editorials than I’ve read in dozens of bulletins I’ve received from SAG. And shame on the SAG leadership for its continuing refusal to listen to the “middle-class” actors it purports to represent.

After more than two months of locking horns with producers, SAG’s leadership has decided to spend $150,000 in a disgraceful attempt to sabotage the AFTRA deal. Has SAG moved so far away from the founding principles of all unions that it needs to pit actor against actor? So much damage has already been done as a result of all this self-righteous muscle flexing by the leadership of SAG.

I hope and pray that common sense and an enlightenment to current economics -- as espoused by The Times and others -- will soon prevail.

Jim Piddock

Sherman Oaks