The Writers Guild of America has been on strike for 50 days now.
Its scary to walk away from the job.
After talks with the WGA failed, the studiosstruck a tentative deal with the DGA.
People gather for the ‘Broadway Day Rally’ hosted by the Writers Guild of America EastAlexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images
Now, SAG-AFTRA is in the midst of its own negotiations with the AMPTP.
The actors guild has alreadyissued a strike authorizationshould those talks go sideways.
Disney can run cruise ships and theme parks and movies and TV shows all of the time.
‘Abbott Elementary’s Lisa Ann Walter on the picket lines
They can certainly talk to twoguildsat the same time.
They do it on purpose.
This time, WGA leadership remains adamant that wont happen again.
Theres a reason why were firmer now than we were before.
Theres a reason why every guild and union in Hollywood has stood by us, Keyser continued.
Because people are sick and tired of being treated as if they mean nothing.
And so our fight for dignity reflects everyones desire to be able to fight in the same way.
Even labor unions in other sectors outside Hollywood have shown their solidarity with the WGA.
Last month, hundreds of union workersgathered in downtown Los Angelesto show their support.
We understand what its like to be disrespected by the boss.
We are more used to these downtimes than we were before.
I dont mean that its easy.
People are going to be out here every day for four hours.
We want to make it as interesting as possible.
The cultural gatherings in particular serve a greater purpose than simply bringing joy to the picket lines.
They also raise awareness for the marginalized groups within the WGA that bring their unique experiences to their shows.
It is a constitutionally protected form of free speech and central to any labor action.
Emphasis On Mental Health
Not to be overlooked is the importance of WGA members prioritizing mental health.
Im not belittling the seriousness of whats happening.
Were all very aware that peoples lives and livings are being negatively impacted.
I place the blame firmly on their shoulders and their unwillingness to bargain in good faith.
We deserve a fair deal.
Ultimately, the special pickets serve to unite us and keep up morale.
They are shots of rocket fuel that keep us moving and motivated.
Everybody has gathered here because we all believe in a cause that we are fighting for.
So its not like this is what we want to be doing.
Were all out here fighting for our lives.
Meanwhile, SAG-AFTRA continues studio negotiations, with its contract set to expire June 30.
A resolution to the writers problems is going to run through the Writers Guild and not around us.
Those companies need to hear that.
Theyre not going to be able to hide behind the doors of the AMPTP forever.
