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Struggling Stage Workers Demand End to Writers' Strike

Support crews lose jobs as productions close

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 10, 2007 3:00 AM CST
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(Newser) – Rank-and-file production workers marched through downtown Hollywood yesterday calling on the Writers Guild of America and the producers association to end the five-week strike. The group focused attention on the plights of those put out of work by the strike. Set decorators, hair and make-up artists, prop specialists and hundreds of others have lost their jobs because the strike has halted film and TV productions.

"Each day this strike is prolonged, our futures become more precarious," said a rally organizer. As more layoffs hit, many in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees are beginning to sour on the strike, despite initially supporting it. "I don't believe the union ever intended to bargain in good faith," said a spokesman for the stage workers.

Caroline Dobbe, left, and Jake Aust, post-production workers with 'The Office,' join other below-the-Line workers affected by the Writers Guild of America strike for a rally Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles, to demand that the two sides negotiate. Members of the Writers Guild...
Caroline Dobbe, left, and Jake Aust, post-production workers with 'The Office,' join other below-the-Line workers affected by the Writers Guild of America strike for a rally Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, in the...   (Associated Press)
Post-production and other workers affected by the Writers Guild of America strike gather in a rally on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles, to demand that the two sides negotiate. Members of the Writers Guild of America went on strike Nov. 5 against the Alliance...
Post-production and other workers affected by the Writers Guild of America strike gather in a rally on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles, to demand that the two sides negotiate....   (Associated Press)
Post production workers and others affected by the Writers Guild of America strike, rally Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles, to demand that the two sides negotiate. Members of the Writers Guild of America went on strike Nov. 5 against the Alliance of Motion Picture...
Post production workers and others affected by the Writers Guild of America strike, rally Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles, to demand that the two sides negotiate. Members...   (Associated Press)
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Below-the-line workers cut costs, live off savings
Associated Press

Talks blow up again, AMPTP calls WGA's demands 'quixotic'
Hollywood Reporter

WGA's proposals unsound, couldn't pass court test, says AMPTP
Hollywood Today

Long strike could cause major changes in TV industry
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Writers Guild of America • Hollywood writers' strike • production • Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers • International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees • below the line workers

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