In a massive show of solidarity on the second day of the ongoing writers’ strike, members of the Writers Guild of America were joined by representatives of other Hollywood unions at a rally held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Participants in the event included the Directors Guild of America (DGA), Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) the Stagehands Union (IATSE), Teamsters, and more. In total, 6 other unions sent representatives to the event.
Photos from the rally were shared by attendees, one of whom described the strike as a “war for labor”.
The strike began when the previous contract between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) expired on May 1, and the two sides were unable to agree on a new deal. The WGA is striking to combat, among other things, what it says is a growing “gig economy” for its members, in which industry income is increasingly concentrated at the top, while creatives are forced to work under worse workplace conditions. is paid less. The problem, he says, is particularly bad on streaming platforms.
The show of solidarity seen on Wednesday holds special significance for Hollywood because of its timing. Both the DGA and SAG-AFTRA will see their contracts with AMPTP expire in June. 30. DGA to initiate dialogue with AMPTP on 10 mayWhile SAG-AFTRA starts on 7th june,
If the groups were to join the WGA in the strike, it would almost certainly paralyze Hollywood business with ramifications beyond the entertainment industry or the economy of Los Angeles.
How likely the groups are to strike is not known at this time, but it is worth noting that in April, SAG-AFTRA’s board voted unanimously to support the WGA in contract negotiations. Following that vote, SAG-AFTRA said in a statement, “to agree to terms that reflect and remove barriers to fair and equal pay and working conditions for studios, streamers and other employers in the entertainment industry.” It’s a long time ago. The unique value and contribution of creative talent and workers, without whom the industry would not exist.
Meanwhile, Wednesday’s program featured a keynote address by Chris Keyser, head of the WGA negotiating committee, who listed several examples of disrespect shown to WGA members by AMPTP negotiators. from them, according to the hollywood reporterKeyser said the lead AMPTP negotiator used the term “collaboration” to refer to unpaid rewrites.
“The @WGAWest The meeting was closed for tonight. leader from @DirectorsGuild @SAGaftra @Teamsters @IATSE @LIUNA Everyone challenged. We are together against the greed of studios and streamers,” said writer-director-producer Justin Bateman.
“Well done. He was a fierce #WGA meeting. AMPTP may not know it yet, but they will soon: We are serious people,” said author and rally participant Mike Diaz.
“It’s historic,” wrote author Carlito Rodríguez.
See more reactions below.
For all of TheWrap’s WGA strike coverage, click here.
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