I’m not so sure that the looming strike from the Writers Guild of America is getting enough attention. Think about things like the Government Shutdown. That thing gets coverage as soon as we’re within 2 months of a debt ceiling decision. But coming after a year in which 455 scripted shows were on television (which is a record by the way), we’re now at risk for ALL of television virtually stopping. You don’t think that’s big enough news? I sure as hell do. Anyway, let’s review what the WGA currently looking for. According to The Wrap:
Below is the list of WGA demands as of February. The following demands were sent to WGA members for approval, which may have since been modified. (A press blackout has kept members of the media from learning where the list currently stands.)
- Increased minimum compensation in all areas.
- Increase residuals for undercompensated reuse markets.
- An expansion of the types of made-for new media programs subject to the contract’s minimums.
- Increased contributions to the guild’s Pension Plan.
- Strengthened economic and workplace protections for television and new media writers employed and compensated on per episode basis.
- Stronger regulations of options and exclusivity provisions in television and new media employment contracts.
- Inequities in compensation of writing teams employed under term deals for television and new media series.
- Paid family leave for writers employed under term deals for television and new media series.
- An amended definition of a professional writer to include writing for new media.
- Increased funding for the Showrunner Training Program and the Tri-Guild Audit Program.
- A modification and expansion of all arbitrator panels.
- Modified requirements for work lists and other information submitted by companies.
Seriously, just give these guys what they want. There’s no way I’m missing any television and none of us should have to. Los Angeles member meetings are set for April 18 and 19, while a New York meeting will also take place on April 19. An online strike authorization vote will begin April 19 at 8:30 p.m. PT through April 24 at noon PT. It’s getting a little close people!
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