kawa, Are #TreeLaw jokes still funny?
amaditalks, Connect the dots…
Universal Pictures radically trimmed a bunch of trees outside of their Los Angeles studios that happened to shade the sidewalk where #WGA and #SAGAFTRA were picketing. They were perhaps not legally allowed to touch said trees. #TreeLaw
Over at NBC, also part of Universal, sidewalks have been dug out all around the property, allegedly for repairs but no one digs out three blocks of sidewalks all at once for repairs. This has hampered but not stopped the picketing. /1
CultureDesk, The Los Angeles City Controller has announced that his office will investigate tree trimming near Universal Studios property where film industry workers picket. Union members have expressed concerns that the trees were cut in order to discourage protests during 90-degree heat. NBC Universal denied any connection between the tree trimming and strikes, saying that the pruning work takes place annually at this time of year.
CultureDesk, Update: SAG-AFTRA and the WGA have filed formal unfair labor practice charges against Universal Pictures. An investigation by the city of Los Angeles found that no permits had been issued for the trimming— meaning that the studio trimmed the trees in violation of city policy.
CultureDesk, (edited ) Meanwhile another entertainment union may be considering a strike. IATSE, the theatrical crew union, is conducting a strike authorization vote after talks with the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions stalled. The negotiations in question affect the 1,500 stagehands, hair and make-up artists and wardrobe personnel working on a so-called pink contract. The Hollywood Reporter has more:
blogdiva,
waynedixon, @blogdiva @lisamelton I’m hoping the city sues and wins for destruction of city property. I say an around $100 Million should suffice, per tree.
halonine,
_L1vY_,
ImACultHero,
_L1vY_, @IcooIey Oh we know it's a thing!
hrefna, #WGA #SAG #UnionStrong #TreeLaw
For those playing at home: if they didn't have the right to trim those trees there may be a lot of layered problems and penalties beyond the basic fine for them to deal with.
https://www.lamag.com/article/tree-pruning-universal-pictures-strike-spite/
_L1vY_, I'm excited for when this week's #TreeLaw discourse makes it over here. I want to be in on the hashtag before it even starts.