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Kerry Washington, Martin Sheen shout for solidarity between Hollywood strikers and other workers

by Chloe Baker
1 comment
Labor Solidarity

Kerry Washington and Martin Sheen, fictitious former political figures who have transitioned into the realm of Hollywood, infused the ongoing strikes within the industry with fervent enthusiasm, transforming them into a spirited campaign rally. In their speeches, they championed the concept of unity both within the entertainment domain and the broader labor force.

Washington, acclaimed for her role as a political troubleshooter on ABC’s “Scandal,” articulated, “Our presence here is an affirmation of the significance of unions. Our solidarity extends not only within our own union but also across unions, for we are, at the core, laborers.”

This rallying cry unfolded outside Disney Studios in Burbank, California, more than a month after Hollywood actors embarked on their strike and over three months into a strike by screenwriters. The objective was to underscore their alliance with fellow guilds within the industry and their alignment with various national unions, encompassing notable names like the Teamsters and the AFL-CIO.

Yvonne Wheeler, President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, resolutely addressed the crowd, denouncing the studios’ audacious assertion of being unable to remunerate their employees adequately, particularly in light of their substantial profits. She additionally aimed a pointed remark at Disney’s CEO, a prime target for the strikers’ grievances. “Even amidst their substantial wealth, the kind of unity we possess remains beyond their grasp. Communicate this message to Bob Iger,” she asserted.

Sheen, whose portrayal of a president spanned seven seasons on “The West Wing,” commanded the stage alongside the show’s principal cast members. He emphasized the toll exacted as the strikes endured. “Evidently, this union has rallied behind a cause deemed worthy of confrontation, and the cost is substantial,” Sheen pronounced. “Were this not the case, doubts would emerge concerning its intrinsic value.”

Washington endeavored to spotlight the fact that high-profile guild members like herself once grappled with challenges finding employment and sustaining livelihoods—challenges that continue to afflict the vast majority of members. She outlined the core issues driving both strikes, encompassing matters of compensation, the substitution of actors and writers by artificial intelligence in studios and streaming platforms, and equitable access to healthcare.

“Equitable compensation is our rightful due. Access to healthcare is our entitlement. The intrusion of machines masquerading as us should be repelled,” Washington affirmed. “The aspiration to thrive as working artists, the dream of pursuing our passions while earning a livelihood, must not remain an elusive fantasy.”

Carefully abiding by strike regulations that prohibit the promotion of studio projects, Washington and her counterparts meticulously avoided uttering the names of the shows that propelled them to fame.

In contrast to the striking guilds, the conglomerate of studios, streaming services, and production companies, serving as the opposing force in the ongoing dispute, asserts that it presented fair contracts to both unions. These contracts, discussed before negotiations reached an impasse, incorporated unprecedented updates related to compensation and safeguards against artificial intelligence.

While talks between studios and screenwriters, who initiated the strike on May 2, have recommenced, progress remains sluggish. No negotiations have transpired with actors since their strike commenced on July 14.

The rally showcased the participation of numerous members and leaders from other Hollywood unions, distinct from the striking guilds, who managed to secure agreements with the studios. Among these was the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, representing a majority of Hollywood crew members. This alliance deftly averted a strike in 2021 through an 11th-hour accord. However, their current contract is slated to expire next year.

The Directors Guild of America was initially speculated to initiate a third Hollywood strike in 2023, yet the group promptly reached a contractual consensus while talks with other entities faltered. Nevertheless, its members have also grappled with unemployment, as nearly all major Hollywood productions have come to a standstill.

Paris Barclay, an officer of the DGA who directed episodes for both “Scandal” and “The West Wing,” imparted a resounding message to the assembly on Tuesday. He stressed the imperative of contractual workers extending their support to their striking colleagues. “The mere sustenance of one of us is insufficient. The real nourishment emerges when every single one among us has their sustenance ensured,” Barclay declared, underscoring the collective solidarity essential for achieving equitable outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Labor Solidarity

What event prompted Kerry Washington and Martin Sheen to deliver speeches?

Kerry Washington and Martin Sheen spoke at a rally in response to ongoing strikes within Hollywood’s entertainment industry.

What was the main message conveyed by Kerry Washington during the rally?

Kerry Washington emphasized the importance of unions and solidarity among workers, advocating for fair compensation and healthcare access.

What was the significance of the rally outside Disney Studios?

The rally aimed to spotlight the alliance between striking Hollywood actors and screenwriters with other industry guilds and national unions.

Who criticized the studios’ stance on worker compensation?

Yvonne Wheeler, President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, criticized studios for claiming inability to pay workers despite significant profits.

How did Martin Sheen relate his speech to the ongoing strikes?

Martin Sheen underscored the costly nature of the strikes and questioned their value, rallying support for the union’s cause.

What did Kerry Washington highlight regarding guild members?

Kerry Washington emphasized that renowned guild members, like herself, once struggled to find work and still face challenges in the industry.

What were the core issues driving the strikes?

The strikes revolved around matters such as fair wages, healthcare, and concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in place of human workers.

What rule did Kerry Washington and others follow during their speeches?

They avoided mentioning the names of the shows that made them famous, adhering to strike rules against promoting studio projects.

What did the opposition to the strikes claim regarding contracts?

The opposition, including studios and production companies, asserted that they offered fair contracts with updated pay and AI-related protections.

What’s the status of negotiations with screenwriters and actors?

Negotiations have restarted with screenwriters who began the strike on May 2, while talks with actors, who started the strike on July 14, have not resumed.

Which unions participated in the rally and why?

Leaders and members from various Hollywood unions, excluding the striking guilds, joined the rally to demonstrate solidarity and support for the strikes.

Why did Paris Barclay stress support for striking colleagues?

Paris Barclay emphasized collective support, highlighting that until all workers’ needs are met, the well-being of any single worker remains incomplete.

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1 comment

HollyFan23 August 26, 2023 - 8:41 am

oh wow, kerry washinton & martin sheen givin’ speech bout labor stuff, that’s kinda cool i guess, union powr!

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