On Wednesday September 18, a stunt performer in Hollywood set himself on fire outside the SAG-AFTRA offices in Los Angeles. The stunt performer, Jake Hansen, is a member of the SAG-AFTRA union, and was reportedly demonstrating for fair pension and health care contracts.
The incident occurred during a SAG-AFTRA picket line outside the union offices. Hansen wore an explosive vest, which he lit with a blowtorch while shouting “it’s about the health and pension plans, it’s about the future.” Immediately after setting off the explosives, he was doused with a fire extinguisher and tackled to the ground by several passers-by. He was taken to a hospital and is now in stable condition.
This act of protest is just the latest in what has become a longstanding battle between the SAG-AFTRA union and Hollywood studios over compensation for union members. The union has been negotiating with studios since last year to secure better contracts for its members, including improved health care and pension plans. However, negotiations have been deadlocked since April of this year.
Hansen’s demonstration has been met with both praise and criticism. Many in the entertainment industry held a vigil outside the SAG-AFTRA offices and praised Hansen’s courage for taking a stand against the Hollywood studios. On the other hand, some have criticized Hansen’s actions as reckless and dangerous and said that his act takes away from the legitimacy of the SAG-AFTRA negotiations.
At the time of writing, Hansen is still in the hospital and recovering from his injuries. The SAG-AFTRA union has expressed its support and gratitude for Hansen’s demonstration, and has recommitted itself to negotiations with the Hollywood studios. It is unclear if Hansen’s demonstration will have any effect on the negotiations, but it certainly has garnered increased attention to this ongoing dispute.
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