We thought it might be useful to review our experiences.
We have to start this discussion by underlining that our industry business model is broken.
The Negotiating Committee already has an impossible task in front of them.
The 2007-08 WGA strike lasted 100 daysPhoto by Jesse Grant/WireImage
The issues are so complex, and the industry is in such a strange place.
If fog is not our friend, reality is, said Sorensen.
Eric Tipton added that its important not to fall for a sanitized mythology of the last strike.
In reality, a strike is a failure.
The threat of a strike should always be a last resort, he said.
Did we have to strike in 07 just so we could fail to meaningfully negotiate residuals until now?
I honestly dont care.
Now were here, we have to do it, and hopefully dont need a strike to do so.
Those are the facts.
The rest is fog, said Sorensen.
It seems like no one wants to think about the broader consequences when theyre bruising for a strike.
Inflation is out of control.
The price of groceries is insane.
A lot of people are struggling, and Im not just talking about writers, she noted.
Its absolutely clear that tech-led streamers do not give a rats ass about our MBA.
Were losing profits and residuals.
But do we have a strategy for recovering those losses or replacing them with new revenue streams?
Will the economic suffering inflicted by a strike on everybody be worth it?
Workman suggests a public, honest and open discussion devoid of personal attacks.
If 07-08 was ultimately settled with the help of back-channeling allies, who are our allies today?
The economics of the business have changed dramatically for everyone.
