WGA Chicago Strike Event Set for Wednesday

As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike rages on, you might be asking, “How can I help support the efforts of these writers?” If you’re in Chicago, your time for action is Wednesday. After shutting down production on THE CHI, the WGA will be holding a large strike action as part of a work stoppage that began nearly two weeks ago. You have the opportunity to join WGA union professionals this Wednesday, May 17th at 12:00pm CDT for a picket outside of NBC Tower at 454 N Columbus Drive in downtown Chicago, right under the big NBC logo.

Click here to RSVP to attend the Chicago picket on Wednesday, May 17. And be sure to wear red or black clothing, if possible.

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 this Wednesday. “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 statement today.

“We’re hoping you can join us on Wednesday 5/17 in our fight for survival. We’ll be holding signs, marching and looking for visibility, just like any labor strike. Chicago is a union town and we’re not only expecting members of WGA to be marching, but members of SAG/AFTRA, DGA, ITASE, Actor’s Equity and many other unions to be standing by our side. Please do the same and we hope to hear from you soon! Thank you!”

Click here to RSVP to attend the Chicago picket on Wednesday, May 17.

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.