WGA Writers and Supporters Network
We're sticking with the Union and want a fair contract now!
The Question of Discipline...
A lot of debate has been raised about questioning "alleged" scab writers about work that is in violation of the strike rules. I think this is a red herring, perpetuated by the AMPTP.
Holding rank and disciplining members, is standard operating procedure for any union. If evidence or allegations of doing stuck work is presented by reliable sources, then being called in to answer the allegations, before a committee, is fair and reasonable.
Too bad we can't ask Jimmy Hoffa what his remedy for dealing with scabs would be. Most likely a bat or tire iron would be involved. Clearly more effective - but thank goodness, Unions have progressed.
This is a critical time for the labor movement in general. The often-touted notion of the American Dream is dissolving for a shrinking middle class. Instead of moving up, they are moving down the social and economic ladder. Unions are more important than ever.
Now, for the first time in many years, the importance of workers to stick together in their struggles with the mega-corporations is crucial.
The new generation of tycoons are shielded from personal liability for their actions, with the formation of the corporate legal structure and claims of protecting shareholder interests, even as they remain the largest shareholders of these corporations and have the most to personally gain from preventing a fair distribution of the profits. I think it's telling that the first people to be let go are the lowest paid members of the staffs at the studios. The ones who do the hard work to keep things going. The concern for people has been removed from the equation. And it's time this comes to a halt.
This is about more then DVD or internet residuals. Its the beginning of an examination and debate on how wealth is distributed. Should it be all to the most powerful and wealthy? Or perhaps, a fair share to those who help generate that wealth in the first place, is a reasonable request?
Writer's of movies and television may not be the most sympathetic party when discussing this issue - but they are the current segment of the workforce to be facing it in their negotiations.
The fact is - the majority of writers are not wealthy. The average writer works and lives just like the majority of this nation - they have to keep working to keep living their lives.
But, the perceived glamour that those unaware of the real workings of this industry, suddenly creates in their minds the idea of instant and abundant wealth for all.
That's not to say that TV and Movie writers are without great good fortune in one respect. When anyone is able to use their skills and talents to make a living, that is lucky. But, just because a lot of writers are able to do work that they enjoy, does not mean they should not be treated fairly. And the only way that will come about, at this place and time, is if everyone sticks together and remains united.
200 show runners and a handful of A-List writers who rake in big paydays, are a small percentage of the 12,000 total members of the WGA. Their support of this strike is very important to the rank and file members, because their voices are heard louder on the backlots and studios around Hollywood. But, that's the purpose of a union in general - to stand together to protect the least powerful among the group. Rarely are the interests and concerns of the minority, the best illustration of the Majority's concerns.
The constant focus on the wealthiest members of the WGA is natural - these make for big headlines and they are the easiest to make bad jokes about. But there are many more contributing members of the WGA who have the most to gain by standing together. And that is one of the guild's jobs - to keep the group focused on the right track.
I only hope the discussion and debate continues after this contract gets resolved. The many issues that are raised are important to a lot more people than just those directly effected by this strike.
And one thing that needs to be done in the mean time is to do what we can, in a civilized way, to keep the Membership unified and focused.
Holding rank and disciplining members, is standard operating procedure for any union. If evidence or allegations of doing stuck work is presented by reliable sources, then being called in to answer the allegations, before a committee, is fair and reasonable.
Too bad we can't ask Jimmy Hoffa what his remedy for dealing with scabs would be. Most likely a bat or tire iron would be involved. Clearly more effective - but thank goodness, Unions have progressed.
This is a critical time for the labor movement in general. The often-touted notion of the American Dream is dissolving for a shrinking middle class. Instead of moving up, they are moving down the social and economic ladder. Unions are more important than ever.
Now, for the first time in many years, the importance of workers to stick together in their struggles with the mega-corporations is crucial.
The new generation of tycoons are shielded from personal liability for their actions, with the formation of the corporate legal structure and claims of protecting shareholder interests, even as they remain the largest shareholders of these corporations and have the most to personally gain from preventing a fair distribution of the profits. I think it's telling that the first people to be let go are the lowest paid members of the staffs at the studios. The ones who do the hard work to keep things going. The concern for people has been removed from the equation. And it's time this comes to a halt.
This is about more then DVD or internet residuals. Its the beginning of an examination and debate on how wealth is distributed. Should it be all to the most powerful and wealthy? Or perhaps, a fair share to those who help generate that wealth in the first place, is a reasonable request?
Writer's of movies and television may not be the most sympathetic party when discussing this issue - but they are the current segment of the workforce to be facing it in their negotiations.
The fact is - the majority of writers are not wealthy. The average writer works and lives just like the majority of this nation - they have to keep working to keep living their lives.
But, the perceived glamour that those unaware of the real workings of this industry, suddenly creates in their minds the idea of instant and abundant wealth for all.
That's not to say that TV and Movie writers are without great good fortune in one respect. When anyone is able to use their skills and talents to make a living, that is lucky. But, just because a lot of writers are able to do work that they enjoy, does not mean they should not be treated fairly. And the only way that will come about, at this place and time, is if everyone sticks together and remains united.
200 show runners and a handful of A-List writers who rake in big paydays, are a small percentage of the 12,000 total members of the WGA. Their support of this strike is very important to the rank and file members, because their voices are heard louder on the backlots and studios around Hollywood. But, that's the purpose of a union in general - to stand together to protect the least powerful among the group. Rarely are the interests and concerns of the minority, the best illustration of the Majority's concerns.
The constant focus on the wealthiest members of the WGA is natural - these make for big headlines and they are the easiest to make bad jokes about. But there are many more contributing members of the WGA who have the most to gain by standing together. And that is one of the guild's jobs - to keep the group focused on the right track.
I only hope the discussion and debate continues after this contract gets resolved. The many issues that are raised are important to a lot more people than just those directly effected by this strike.
And one thing that needs to be done in the mean time is to do what we can, in a civilized way, to keep the Membership unified and focused.
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