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
Both of the striking unions have been clear to consumers that there are no boycotts. They want us to continue going to movies and they do not want us to cancel our subscription to streaming services.
Yesterday subscribers to #Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streamer, received a notice of an immediate 20% premium hike across all tiers. This will inevitably lead to subscription cancellations which NBCUniversal can point to as proof that streaming revenues are both unpredictable and declining. /2
The efforts that NBCUniversal has made to undermine these strikes and punish strikers are the most underhanded and sleazy across the whole AMPTP.
Barring a call to boycott, however, there doesn’t appear to be any way for the public who are supporting the unions to send a message to NBCUniversal that we see what they’re doing and we don’t like it, except to keep exposing them. So consider this exposure, share if you’re inclined. #UnionStrong /end
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.
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.
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:
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.