Over 5,000 writers and their supporters gathered in Los Angeles’ mid-Wilshire neighborhood on Wednesday to show solidarity during the eighth week of the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) labor stoppage. The “WGA Strong” rally featured passionate speeches, including notable figures such as Boots Riley, Adam Conover, and Lindsay Dougherty, alongside a musical performance by Aloe Blacc. With a clear message to the writers, the event conveyed the unwavering support of the Hollywood labor community.
The rally served as a demonstration of the writers’ strength while also exerting pressure on the industry. Adam Conover, a member of the WGA negotiating committee and emcee of the event, emphasized their determination, stating that the companies underestimated their resilience and the growing support from various unions. Boots Riley expressed the industry’s fear of the movement’s intensity and readiness to fight for their rights.
The event commenced with a spirited march from Pan Pacific Park to the La Brea Tar Pits, attracting attention as it passed by prominent locations such as the WGA West’s headquarters and the Academy Museum. Adorned in vibrant blue WGA shirts, the writers displayed signs with powerful messages like “We break the stories. We can break you,” “Wrote ChatGPT this,” and “Say NO to unprotected sets.” The rally garnered additional support from fellow entertainment unions, including SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild of America, Laborers’ International Union of North America, the American Federation of Musicians, and the Teamsters.
At the La Brea Tar Pits, leaders from various labor organizations expressed their unwavering support for the WGA, acknowledging the sacrifices made by their members during the strike. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, emphasized that this fight is crucial for the entire industry’s livelihood. Former DGA president Thomas Schlamme urged entertainment companies to engage in meaningful negotiations with the WGA. Mike Miller, IATSE’s vice president and director of the motion picture and television department, stressed the importance of a fair contract that recognizes the value brought by every industry professional.
The prominent Teamsters Local 399 leader Lindsay Dougherty reaffirmed the united front against the studios and tech companies seeking to undermine the writers. She vowed to prevent any attempts to break their spirit and invoked the La Brea Tar Pits museum metaphor, suggesting that the AMPTP should become “extinct.”
With approximately 11,500 WGA members on strike since May 2, the battle between writers and studios/streamers centers around critical issues such as the size and duration of writers’ rooms, streaming residuals, overall compensation, and regulation of artificial intelligence. Picket lines have become daily in front of major production centers, causing disruptions to individual productions due to crewmembers’ respect for the writers’ picket lines. While the WGA and the AMPTP have yet to schedule a new negotiation date, the toll of the strike has been acknowledged by some union members, who remain hopeful for a swift resolution and fair leadership from the management side.
The “WGA Strong” rally in Los Angeles demonstrated the unwavering support and solidarity of over 5,000 writers and their supporters in the ongoing WGA strike. The event sent a strong message to the industry, highlighting writers’ determination and commitment to fighting for their rights. With the participation of other prominent entertainment unions, the rally showcased a united front and emphasized the need for change within the industry. As the strike surpasses the 50-day mark, the hope remains for a swift resolution that addresses the concerns raised by the writers and leads to a fair and mutually beneficial agreement.
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