In the midst of a major Hollywood strike, several members from the Writers Guild of America West and the Screen Actors Guild are turning to federal law to protest against increasing consolidation in the entertainment industry. In a recent Bloomberg Industry Group report, it has been observed that over 100 comments have been filed by these union members on two ongoing Federal Trade Commission rulemaking initiatives.
The issue at hand sees union members arguing that the decades-long trend of mergers and acquisitions among media corporations have led to adverse effects on workers’ rights, particularly in terms of pay and working conditions. These regulations are seen as the next frontier in the quest for advocacy, presenting an ‘opportune moment’, as a certain law professor put it.
The strike, involving several high-profile actors and writers known for their work on popular shows such as “Hawaii Five-0”, “13 Reasons Why”, “Parks and Recreation”, and “The Big Bang Theory”, has attracted significant attention. Aside from picketing, this move towards regulatory advocacy illustrates a significant shift in strategy and showcases the power of collective action in influencing policymaking.
This recent development has highlighted the ongoing tension between labour and management in Hollywood, providing a stark reminder of the industry’s historical struggles with ensuring fair pay and conditions for its workers in the face of corporate consolidation. Professionals in the legal and corporate worlds alike may find themselves facing new challenges as the balance of power in Hollywood continues to be a subject of debate.