Dispatches From The Picket Lines: Thousands Descend On NBCUniversal After Sidewalk Controversy
04.08.2023 - 19:35
/ deadline.com
This is Day 95 of the WGA strike and Day 22 of the SAG-AFTRA strike
NBCUniversal has been at the center of a number of controversies involving its picket line over the last few months.
The studio was accused of malicious tree-trimming and construction has caused chaos as writers and actors have attempted to picket at the FBI studio.
Today saw thousands of WGA and SAG-AFTRA members celebrate a new pavement with freshly poured asphalt and the removal of fencing in what is thought to be one of the biggest collection of picketers in LA since the strike(s) began.
“This is what democracy looks like,” the crowd chanted.
It helped that picketing was shut at Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney to help bolster numbers.
A jovial mood saw actors such as Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet and American Gods’ Ricky Whittle attend the picket line, which had a large police presence.
It appeared that the picket line was closed down early as a result of the turnout as many writers and actors flooded into the streets.
“Our picketers have taken over the streets,” said SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland amid a backdrop of police sirens. “While we’re not supposed to be out here in the street, this is how strongly our members feel about getting a fair contract. We’re going to get everybody out of the middle of the street now, but just know this tells you how strong our members feel, how important this issue is and we’re going to do what it takes to get a fair, equitable and respectful contract.”
The picket line at Universal today has made its way into the street #SAGAFTRAStrike #WritersStrike pic.twitter.com/7ceCmKukOT
The massive picket line comes after the WGA and SAG-AFTRA filed National Labor Relations Board complaints against