Hundreds of SAG-AFTRA members gathered with local unions to rally in the Boston Common on Wednesday afternoon, nearly one month into the actors strike.

“I am the actor everyone’s talking about — a lot of us are out here,” said Megan Carroll, a New England SAG-AFTRA actor, speaking to a rallying crowd in the Boston Common. “We’re the ones who are not making enough money to get our health insurance. We’re the ones who have been scanned already for AI. I have been scanned for AI already. This is why I decided to strike.”

The actor’s rally featured speeches from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, TV host Tom Bergeron, and many representative of SAG-AFTRA and other unions emphasizing the importance of a fair contract for the actors.

The union, which represents about 160,000 members including actors, announcers, hosts, stunt performers, voiceover artists and more, has been on strike since July 14. The labor dispute has centered on issues including wage and benefits, protections related to the use of AI and adjusted residual payments in the age of streaming.

“Most SAG-AFTRA members are living paycheck to paycheck,” said Sen. Warren. “Many work second and third jobs in order to make ends meet. More than 80% of members can’t meet the $26,500 income threshold to make them eligible for health care benefits. And meanwhile, greedy greedy network executives are raking in millions.”

Many in the crowd noted they have already been “scanned for AI,” meaning they could potentially be replaced with digital copies of their likeness. In negotiations with studios, speakers said, they’re looking to give actors protections from this sort of use of the developing technology.

“AI is, I feel, the front runner,” said Billy Brannigan, an actor from Connecticut. “It is scary. Just the thought of being so replaceable.”

Brannigan and others noted that while it’s difficult being out of work during the strike, they’re dedicated to fighting for their rights — carrying signs and chanting enthusiastically.

“There has been nothing but support from all our brothers and sisters,” said Kayla Caulfield, a Massachusetts actor who appeared in the film Coda. “Boston’s a very tight knit community, and we all support one another.”