The Hollywood Strikes and How You Can Help
We must have their backs while they take a stand
In early May of 2023, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) made the difficult decision to go on strike. They have since been joined by the Screen Actors Guild — American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), and together the labor unions have been picketing on the streets outside of big name Hollywood studios.
The joint strikes mean that there will be no new writing, acting, or promotion work done by members of the guilds for the companies with which the unions are in dispute. That is, not until a satisfactory agreement is reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP.)
Why strike?
Writers and actors are mainly asking for the following:
For streaming services to more fairly compensate the people who made their content
While navigating the uncharted waters of the relatively new platform, creatives have grown discontent with the way streaming pays noticeably less than traditional broadcasting in terms of minimum guaranteed compensation and ongoing residuals.
For writers on streaming shows to be guaranteed a more stable minimum of thirteen weeks employment
Screenwriting work for streaming platforms is so tumultuous that it is difficult to manage even just a comfortable middle class existence from it.
For there to be better assurances that artificial intelligence will be used as a tool to streamline the creative process and not as a means of cutting writers and actors out of it
Many writers do not consent to their previous work being used to train AI and do not trust executives not to be stingy and rely mostly or entirely on AI to write scripts in order to reduce paychecks.
Many performers do not want to wind up stuck with nothing but derivative, soulless stories to act with. Some actors also fear that they or naïve Tinseltown newcomers will find themselves hoodwinked into signing away their likenesses in perpetuity, made to watch as digital puppets of themselves are exploited by corporations.
Technological replacements for actors have already been employed by some studios for background characters, a role previously filled by real people. The potential long term ramifications of moving in such a direction have been pointed out by established actors, who noted that minor roles such as these are often how fresh talent gets their start in the industry. By mechanizing minor roles, not only do studios cut off bit players from work, they might wind up draining Hollywood dry of new blood.
For writer’s rooms to contain a minimum of six individuals
Popular sitcoms of the 90’s had as many as 12 writers on staff, not including the showrunner in charge of everything. Compare that to modern day teams, asked to produce high quality content (and quickly) with only four to five people to bounce ideas between.
Many feel this understaffing both overworks the few who make it to the table while also leaving less room to include more diverse perspectives. This is especially a concern for members of marginalized groups, who are more likely to be excluded when space is limited.
So… what can the rest of us do to help?
There are many ways to support the strikers.
Stay informed and follow the strike rules
Don’t do the work the strikers are refusing to do, and openly (but respectfully) condemn scabbing. Keep in mind, of course, that some smaller studios have been granted special strike exceptions (such as certain projects by A24, which agreed to the union’s terms.) If the guilds call for a consumer boycott (which they have not as of yet) then abide by that. Check the WGA and SAG-AFTRA websites periodically for updates and other means of lending aid, as well.
Vocalize your support of the strikes
Post about them on social media. Help others become more aware of the reasons for the strikes and entreat them to spread the word as well. Let it be known to producers that the picketers have allies.
Respectfully call out anti-workers’ rights rhetoric
If you hear someone complaining about the inconveniences of the strikes, such as delays in the release of media which they are eagerly anticipating, gently remind them that entertainers being able to live and work comfortably is more important than the rest of us being entertained.
If you hear someone accuse the writers of striking because they are being “greedy,” make them aware that the WGA’s proposal would only cost about .004%-.206% of each major production company’s projected revenues.
Certain voices have noticeably chosen to focus their coverage of the strikes on the unintentional and unfortunate negative side effects of the movement. Respond to such criticisms by pointing out that the cause of the strikes is the studios’ lack of consideration and respect for their workers, not the workers themselves. The unions do not want to strike, they have been forced to by unsatisfactory conditions which can no longer go unaddressed. If such naysayers are as concerned about the livelihoods of makeup artists and set designers as they claim to be, they can easily donate to the Entertainment Community Fund to help support them.
Donate to the Entertainment Community Fund
This one is very important, as it helps to financially support entertainment professionals while they are refusing to or unable to work. Picketing is not only taxing on the body and mind, but withholding labor means a lack of income as well. Give if you can. If you can’t spare even a dollar, you can still share the link and encourage others to contribute.
How long is this going to go on?
Unfortunately, there’s no telling. Some talks with studios have occurred, but counteroffers made by AMPTP have thus far been unsatisfactory. As a result, the co-occurring strikes are still ongoing as of today (August 30, 2023.)
Though no end is in sight, that makes it all the more important for the rest of us to support WGA and SAG-AFTRA. These artists are boldly protesting for better working conditions, fairer wages, more chances for inclusivity, and media with genuine heart here in the digital age.
The least we can do to thank those who have crafted stories which have meant so much to so many is to have their backs while they take a stand.
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