Slog - Comments on Twelve Strikes and Counting

Comment by Nat

Nat — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:19:27 -0800

We'd only get British-quality television if the American producers are content to let Brit imports write six-episode seasons, as is the custom in the old country. Can't see it happening. In any case, most of the British TV writers whom I'd want to import are WGA members already.

Comment by mattymatt

mattymatt — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:30:29 -0800

It's funny how strikes can wind up accidentally benefiting the competition -- those who are still willing to work. Is it accurate to slap the "scab" label on those British writers, French bicycle vendors, an off-Broadway shows? They're still working and collecting paychecks, after all, and even getting a revenue-boost.

Comment by COMTE

COMTE — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:46:22 -0800

Not only that, but the WGA has threatened to blackball any non-Guild writer who accepts an offer to do work under their areas of jurisdiction, which would have the effect of basically killing any future employment for said writers after the strike is eventually settled.

And @2:

Technically, the answer to your question is, "no". While the entities you cite may indeed benefit from the work stoppage, it's not because they're doing the work the strikers would otherwise have done (well, with the exception of the Brit writers, were any of them dumb enough to do so), were they not on the picket lines.

Case in point: the Broadway, off- and off-off-Broadway theatres not affected by the strike all operate under different contractual agreements from the one in dispute, so the stagehand's union doesn't have a beef with them, and in fact, any union employees working there are doing so with the approval of the locals currently striking or honoring the strike elsewhere. So, really, not "scabbing" in the traditional sense at all.

Comment by suren~o

suren~o — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:50:08 -0800

#2: not at all. Part of the power of a strike is that the employer may lose market-share to competitors while his workers are not producing for him. Of course, workers run the risk that the buyers won't return when they do, and some strikers will lose jobs as a result. It's a calculated risk.

Comment by Chris in Tampa

Chris in Tampa — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:09:39 -0800

The news already on reruns. People die needlessly in Iraq. Bush criticizes Democratic party's partisanship; praises own party's partisanship. Torture is fine, says everybody.

It's like watching Groundhog Day every evening.

Comment by naboo

naboo — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:21:45 -0800

I've given up on watching tv for now, and have resorted to watching the new 3rd season of the Mighty Boosh online at bbc3's website.

Comment by Cale

Cale — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:43:37 -0800

more money plz.

Comment by Boomer in NYC

Boomer in NYC — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:57:00 -0800

Off-Broadway and off Off-Broadway is nine times outta ten the best theater you can see in New York--great writing, great acting, appreciative audiences. A lot less expensive, too.

Comment by Boomer in NYC

Boomer in NYC — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:57:48 -0800

And isn't the great Mike Daisy at Joe's Pub right now? Need me some tickets...

Comment by Will in Seattle

Will in Seattle — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:59:02 -0800

I thot this was counting up the strikes that Eyman had for unconstitutional initiatives.

Is the Ugly Betty episode tonight new or a rerun?

Comment by John

John — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:35:43 -0800

Montreal too!!!

http://w5.montreal.com/mtlweblog/2007/11/bus-drivers-vote-to-strike.html

I can't believe you guys got to Bulgaria without Montreal. Have some respect for your own continent.