In a show of solidarity, the New York City Council’s Committee on Civil Service and Labor has passed a resolution in support of a fair contract for striking actors and writers. Following a hearing, the committee voted unanimously to approve the resolution, which will now be considered by the full City Council on Thursday. The resolution comes as the strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers enters its fourth month, and the strike by the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) enters its third month.
During the hearing, SAG-AFTRA President, Fran Dresher, adamantly expressed the demands of the striking members, stating that they desire the same opportunities and benefits for their children as the CEOs who earn large fortunes. The motivation behind the strike is the refusal of the industry companies to address core proposals put forward by the writers and actors. Lowell Peterson, the executive director of the WGA East, highlighted the broader impact of the companies’ unwillingness to negotiate, emphasizing the potential threat it poses to the entire industry and the city’s economy.
A Union Town that Demands Better
Council member Carmen De La Rosa, who co-sponsored the resolution, emphasized the importance of fair compensation and the ability for workers to maintain a dignified life amidst soaring costs of living. The city of New York, renowned for its creative talent, expects large corporations to engage in good faith negotiations and acknowledge the contributions made by entertainment workers. De La Rosa expressed disappointment at the long-standing trend of companies profiting on the backs of these workers while wages remain stagnant.
A Necessary Strike for Fair Compensation
Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, the WGA East’s vice president of Film/Television/Streaming, highlighted the necessity of the strike, describing it as painful but crucial. The guild’s decision arose from the unjust treatment of writers and the refusal of their employers to provide fair compensation. Despite record-breaking revenues and profits for the companies, the writers have been uncompensated accordingly. Cullen expressed gratitude for the City Council’s support and their willingness to take a stand for workers’ rights.
Fighting for Wages and Basic Rights
Rebecca Damon, the executive director of SAG-AFTRA’s New York Locals, pinpointed the core issues at stake. The strike is centered around ensuring adequate financial stability for members and their control over their own image and likeness. Damon emphasized the fundamental concepts of compensation and consent and emphasized the importance of fair wages and working conditions in a city that prides itself on providing for its residents. Unions have historically fought for job sustainability in New York City, and the entertainment industry, employing over 185,000 New Yorkers and contributing to 6.5% of the city’s annual gross domestic product, is no exception.
This resolution passed by the Committee on Civil Service and Labor is a significant step in amplifying the voices of striking actors and writers and shedding light on the injustices they face. As the resolution moves to the full City Council for consideration, it is hoped that it will further ignite discussions and negotiations towards a fair contract that acknowledges the contributions of these talented individuals and ensures a sustainable livelihood for all.
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