WGA Chicago Strike Event Set for Thursday June 15th

As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike rages on, unions continue to unite and support each other. This Thursday’s strike event in downtown Chicago will be a perfect example of just that. WGA members will be joined by members and leaders of other unions and advocates, including IATSE, the Chicago Teachers Union, and SAG-AFTRA, which is beginning its own negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

The WGA will be holding a large strike action as part of a work stoppage that began just over six weeks ago. You have the opportunity to join WGA union professionals this Thursday, June 15th at 12:00pm CDT for a picket outside CBS Station at Daley Plaza, at 22 W Washington St in downtown Chicago, at the northwest corner of Washington and Dearborn.

What Is At Stake Here?

You might also be asking, “What’s this strike all about, anyway?” Here is a clear and concise statement from leaders of the WGA effort…

“The companies’ behavior has created a gig economy inside a union workforce, and their immovable stance in this negotiation has betrayed a commitment to further devaluing the profession of writing. From their refusal to guarantee any level of weekly employment in episodic television, to the creation of a “day rate” in comedy variety, to their stonewalling on free work for screenwriters and on AI for all writers, they have closed the door on their labor force and opened the door to writing as an entirely freelance profession.”

Here is an extended explanation of what’s at stake for WGA writers, in a recent article from CNBC.

Taking Action in Chicago

If you’re a part of another union, such as the Screen Actors Guild, or if you’re not a part of any union or the industry at all, you are invited to join the WGA Strike Action. “With growing numbers of studios and content providers producing scripted work in Chicago, it’s vital Chicago directly responds as careers and fair compensation is being wholly threatened,” WGA Chicago declared in a recent statement.

Check back here at SCREEN for updates as the strike forges ahead. You can also click right here to subscribe to our weekly email newsletter.