SAG-AFTRA Strike Thoughts
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A few thoughts on the SAG-AFTRA strike.
First, it is clear that the companies were caught completely off guard here. They had every intention of starving the writers into submission. They don’t care about writers. But after coming to a deal with the Directors’ Guild, they thought SAG would be next and then they could finish off the writers. Nope! The actors are pissed! They are really very unhappy with how things are going in Hollywood. The companies were surprised that the actors were showing such solidarity with the writers anyway and now they are joining them on strike. Better find some shows you were interested in from a few years ago because it’s quite likely this shutdown goes on long enough to see a Covid-esque halt in production.
Second, despite corporate complaints of poverty, the companies are pulling in money hand over fist. Does anyone really believe Bob Iger about financial problems? The man is worth $350 million! The biggest problem here, as it often is, comes from Quarterly Report Culture. All the executives benefit from cutting costs. Hurting labor is the top way to do that. So they want to bring AI in as soon as possible, even if it is untenable. Every change in the entertainment industry–and of course there has been a lot in recent years–enriches executives at the expense of labor. Now, basically all of Hollywood is striking back.
Third, Los Angeles is really the center of the American labor movement at this point. You’ve had teachers striking and winning great things. UNITE-HERE Local 11 is on strike again, a second round against the big hotel chains. Hollywood is now on strike. Strikes beget strikes. Seeing people strike helps give other people the courage to strike themselves. There’s been great levels of solidarity across sectors here. With the Teamsters extremely likely to strike at the end of the month, this is only going to grow.
Fourth, Fran Drescher, union leader! When she gets super pissed in negotiations, does she go full Nanny voice? I hope so!