Strikeout

Against my better judgment, I wrote this response to a reader comment to Scott Pierce's article in the DesMoNews this morning regarding the WGA strike. The original commenter questioned the fairness of one small group (the writers) walking out, and the impact that group's decision would have on other associated groups (extras, crew members, actors):

It is never an easy decision to strike - it is painful for everyone involved. It is definitely appropriate to demand fair wages, however - regardless of who you are.

This is not a concept that Utahns understand very well. We are all too willing to work for dirt, despite high levels of education and qualification.

The writers recognized that their wages were not keeping pace with revenues resulting from new means of distribution, and rightfully demanded new contracts. Individual bargaining is not effective in these situations, but striking, while not desirable, is an effective method of bringing uncooperative executives to the bargaining table.

And let's be honest, it's just not as easy to replace a striking writer as it is to replace an extra, a member of a production crew, or even an actor. Writers play a very important role in the production process and deserve a little recognition for that fact. (Not convinced? Try watching the late night talk shows and see just how much they're stretching to find material to fill their shows while their writers are striking.)