Strike! (or Getting Out To Picket)

While there are some things about the entertainment industry that I feel most people don’t know about, I think the current strikes happening are mainstream news. The strike with the WGA and the AMPTP has been going on for over 2 months now. And as of last week, SAG-AFTRA is now on strike as well. Going on strike is not something that was taken lightly, but it was something that needed to happen. Our negotiating committee has been working hard to get us a good contract, but we are just too far apart in what we want. A document went out this week showing what we are asking for and what the AMPTP has countered with, and it’s clear that there wasn’t going to be an agreement and a strike was necessary.

I have been wanting to go out to a picket line to support the writers when they were striking, but it just never happened. But now that we are on strike as well, I feel like I need to be out there. And I’ve been able to go for the 3 days so far that we’ve had picket lines. I had to work out things with my day job, since I can’t just take time off of work. But what I arranged is to take a very early lunch break so I can go to the picket line before it’s too late (and too hot). I’m only able to be out there for just under an hour, but I know that time is better than not going at all.

I’m only going to Amazon Studios because that’s very close to my place. I do drive over there because that saves me time and I have such a limited amount of time I can be away from my work. But it works out well for me to be there since it’s not one of the really popular picket locations so they need people there. Also, it’s been really hot out, but I know it would be even hotter in the valley where the popular studios to picket are.

I haven’t been going to the picket with anyone else, but I’ve met some friends randomly while walking around and I’m starting to recognize people there. It seems like most people go to the same locations each day. Even if I’m there on my own and don’t talk to anyone else there, at least I’m getting in my steps.

There is a bit of novelty with being on a picket line right now. This is my first time picketing and I do like feeling like I’m a part of something big. But I also know how important it is for us to be making this statement. The future of the entertainment industry is at risk, and it’s important that we make sure that there is a career path without being a celebrity in this industry.

I’ve had a lot of friends ask me how they can help, and there are a few things you can do.

First, unless you have a contract that obligates you to do so, please don’t cross a picket line. That means not crossing one physically, but also not doing something that would be virtually crossing a picket. Do not promote or provide free publicity for any films or tv shows from major studios. We aren’t asking for a boycott at this time, so you can still go to movies and keep your streaming services. But don’t post online about what you are watching.

If you want to join a picket line, you are welcome to do so. The picket locations are posted on a strike website along with a lot of FAQs for both members and non-members. You can also bring supplies to the picket lines such as water or snacks. I know those would be appreciated.

And if you are in a financial place to do so, you can donate money that will go toward those who are out of work because of the strike. The Entertainment Community Fund is a great place to donate and they have been helping people across the industry.

While many of us hope this strike will end soon, it seems like we might be in this for the long haul. But I know it will be worth it because we cannot give in and give up what is fair. Some people are talking about the strike lasting until the new year, and that is possible. But it will also be interesting if this strike affects a lot of the fall tv season because fans will be upset at the studios and that could swing things our way. We will just have to wait and see what happens and I’m going to keep showing up to picket every day that I can to support what is happening.

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The Importance Of The Writers Strike (or I Support The WGA) Authorizing A Strike (or I Got My Vote In) Another Virtual Union Meeting (or Getting Ready For What Is To Come) I Stand With IATSE (or Union Strong) Seeing Actors Supporting Actors (or An Awesome Union Working Project) A Virtual Town Hall (or Getting Some Answers About My Industry)