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Having been in four broadcast unions/guilds ***(IBEW, NABET, AFTRA and DGA), and also being a manager for many years, it's my opinion that NOBODY really ever wins in a work stoppage situation. At least any protracted one.
Strike funds only last so long, and producers make their money through distribution of product -- which has stopped. Overly simplistic, I know.
The writers seem to make a good living, however it is important to remember that they do live in among the most expensive areas of the country/world in which to live. $130K shrinks when thinking of cost of living, etc.
The producers/studios are buisnesses and their goal is to maximize profits. That is sometimes done without "sharing the wealth" with their "employees." You can decide for yourself if that's fair. I don't think so. On the other hand, it's not uncommon in American business.
I'm not a big pro-union person, but I do believe they were necessary when they formed and still have some purpose in trying to keep their members fairly compensated for their work when these new distribution advances come along. Seems to me that if the "management" is going to make money, the "workers" should be allowed to share.
Remember, too, that many, if not all of these writers are not actually employees of the studio/producers and count on their union/guild not only to protect their compensation, but also provide benefits such as insurance, work rules (which are sometimes silly) and other things that actually employees receive.
Finally, (he says secretly) I kind of admire the Lenos, Letterman and other "talent" types. Maybe they realize that, while they have talents of their own, the writers are literally putting the words in their mouths, and without them the celebrities wouldn't survive.
Just one more opinion.
**
IBEW=International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
NABET=National Association of Broadcast Engineers and Technicians (Now NABET/CWA after a merger)
AFTRA=American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (A talent union for announcers -- now AFTRA/SAG after a merger)
DGA=Directors Guild of America
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Fraternally,
DeltAlum
DTD
The above is the opinion of the poster which may or may not be based in known facts and does not necessarily reflect the views of Delta Tau Delta or Greek Chat -- but it might.
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