WGA Strike Is Inspiring

As the WGA strike enters its third day, I am inspired by the solidarity of the guild members. SAG members are also walking the picket lines causing many series to go dark sooner than expected. In an additional unexpected turn, many executive producers have also refused to cross picket lines calling a halt to even more shows.

This has caused a sharp backlash from many advertisers. Promotion of new films has decreased substantially as advertisers decline spending their money on full rate ads on shows that are suddenly in reruns.

It is a shame that unions and guilds got such a bad reputation through the corruption scandals that happened last century. In many industries these organizations are essential for the safety and fair treatment of workers. No where is this more true than in the entertainment business.

While top level stars make massive paychecks, that represents a tiny portion of the professional actors working today. The entertainment industry is one of the unique businesses where people can be convinced to work for nothing by dangling the carrot of being discovered. There are many independent films where the producers have made millions and the actors/crew have never received a dime. Nor were they “Discovered”. Nor were they allowed to work on the producer’s next big budget union film. They had simply donated their time, work and identity to make money for someone who would give them nothing in return.

There are real issues on the table regarding residuals, new media, etc. that must be hammered out. I am very proud that my guild, SAG, is supporting the WGA.

Other unions could learn a lot from the solidarity shown here. Working people, well organized, can make a substantial difference. This is something too many have forgotten.