State of the Unions

(Newser) - Even though the writers’ strike ended 2 month ago, TV production crew members are still working less than usual and feeling the financial burn, the LA Times reports. The networks took a cautious approach after the strike, putting many shows on hold until next season and ordering fewer episodes of those that returned. Location permits are down 43% from last year. More »

(Newser) - Britain is facing an oil pinch after workers walked off a Scottish oil refinery today over pension issues, the AP reports. The 48-hour BP strike will halt 700,000 barrels of UK oil a day, nearly one-third of its North Sea supply. But 10 Downing St. is urging drivers not to hoard gas. "There is plenty of petrol and diesel in Scotland to meet demand during this time," one official said. More »

(Newser) - Le Monde was absent from French streets today for the first time in more than 30 years as staff went on strike at the debt-ridden newspaper. In the ongoing battle over the future of the prestigious evening title, which saw the editor-in-chief pushed out, management is now trying to eliminate 130 jobs, or 25% of journalists. That was too much for staff, who walked off, reports the Times of London. More »

(Newser) - In an email obtained by ESPN, Ravens kicker Matt Stover outlines a plan to install a new NFL Players Association Executive Director by March 2009. Stover cites other union reps' agreement that "it is time for a change" from Gene Upshaw's leadership. "Matt Stover has no clue. Whoever is pulling his chain is doing a disservice to the union," says Upshaw. More »

(Newser) - George Clooney has all but severed his ties to the Writers Guild after a dispute over screenwriting credit for the new film Leatherheads , reports Variety . The film's director, co-producer, and star says he overhauled a weak script, but a 2-to-1 arbitration vote went against him. He didn't publicize the move because the strike, which he supported, was imminent. More »

(Newser) - In a move that will complicate upcoming negotiations between actors and Hollywood studios, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists split yesterday from the Screen Actors Guild, its sister union for 27 years. AFTRA shares more than half of its members with SAG, but its more moderate contract goals pull it in a different direction, reports the Los Angeles Times. More »

(Newser) - The decline in the number of writers attached to presidential campaigns is “striking,” the New York Times reports—with only five newspapers trying to follow the candidates full-time. With per-person travel costs at $30,000, or more, a month, cash-strapped outlets are choosing not to foot the bill. The cost, some observers say, is that readers have fewer perspectives available.