Under the blazing sun, thousands of union members from across the entertainment industry converged at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, on Tuesday for a powerful display of solidarity. Organized by the WGA, SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), IATSE and the AFL-CIO, the National Day of Solidarity rally drew attention to ongoing strikes, fair wages, and the increasing challenges posed by technological advancements.
Prominent speakers, including Kerry Washington, Martin Sheen, and Ron Perlman, shared their voices on the central issues facing workers in the entertainment sector. The event not only expressed support for the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA strikes but also extended solidarity to other unions, including the Teamsters and IATSE, whose contracts are set to expire in 2024.
The atmosphere was charged with determination as speakers took to the stage to address the multitude of attendees, estimated to be between 1,500 and 2,000 by the Burbank police, though SAG-AFTRA organizers anticipated as many as 5,000.
Lindsay Dougherty, a second-generation Teamster leader, delivered a fervent message, emphasizing the importance of standing strong against tech giants disrupting the industry. “Tech companies like Apple, Amazon, and Netflix need to be taught a very good lesson – not to mess with Hollywood labor again,” Dougherty asserted.
Union members united under the shared goal of improving working conditions, securing fair wages, and safeguarding their rights against the encroachment of artificial intelligence in the industry. The use of AI, which raises concerns about job security and fair treatment, was a recurring theme throughout the rally. Kerry Washington, known for her role as Olivia Pope on ABC’s Scandal, expressed her personal journey and the importance of unions in ensuring a just and equitable future. “We have come to a point in our history where just being a working actor… means I can’t make a fair living. It’s not OK. We’re going to protect all workers,” Washington passionately declared.
Martin Sheen, evoking his fictional persona President Jed Bartlet from The West Wing, invoked the spirit of unity and perseverance among the workers. “Let us continue to dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?'” Sheen urged, garnering resounding support from the crowd.
Hellboy’s Ron Perlman, known for his roles in films and TV shows, criticized corporate mergers and accused studios and streamers of devaluing workers in favor of financial interests. “The thing is, however much they take will never be enough. So what they need to do is make us feel small… Don’t blame me for that,” Perlman asserted.
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Bradley Whitford, an actor who has starred in The West Wing, echoed the sentiments of many attendees, emphasizing the necessity of fair compensation. “We’re tired of these producers… telling us that this business just doesn’t work anymore. You need to pay us,” Whitford demanded.
As the day unfolded, the event transformed into a testament of unity, resilience, and shared determination among workers to demand fair treatment, safer working conditions, and a stake in the industry’s future.
The National Day of Solidarity rally served as a poignant reminder that collective action and unionized strength are pivotal in shaping the trajectory of the entertainment industry and ensuring a just and equitable future for all workers.
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