SAG ousting chief negotiator Doug Allen

January 12, 2009 SAG national executive director Doug Allen, a lightning rod for criticism during the ongoing contract talks with the studios, is on the way out as chief negotiator. With the leverage that a yes vote would provide gone, SAG leadership would have few options but to send the studios' final offer to its membership for approval. During Monday's national board meeting in Los Angeles, sources said, it became clear that moderate board members from the Hollywood-based faction Unite for Strength and the New York and regional branch divisions had the votes necessary to strip Allen of his title of chief negotiator, which is mandated by his contract.

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