Huff Post Labor Writer, Dave Jamieson, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the current wave of union organizing efforts throughout America.
There are currently multiple large-scale organizing campaigns in America. Jamieson discussed the opportunities for Trader Joe's, Starbucks and Amazon workers to get behind their organizing drives and attempt to be recognized as a union. Unlike a few years ago when organizing efforts weren’t impacting large companies, Jamieson believes the efforts now are galvanizing a group of workers that previously felt left out of these discussions.
Jamieson also discussed the Writers Guild of America strike. As a member of the WGA, Jamieson supports his Brothers and Sisters in their efforts to secure a better contract. Currently, the strike is happening in both New York and Los Angeles where the union’s East and West headquarters are located. Approximately 11,000 writers and producers are currently on strike, and Jamieson believes they are prepared to strike for as long as necessary.
The biggest factor behind the WGA strike is the explosion of online streaming services. With online streaming services, shows have shorter seasons, meaning writers who traditionally get paid by episode only get paid for 10 episodes compared to the previous 20-30 per season. Also, the residual pay from the replays of TV shows and movies are accounted for differently than previously, lowering the amount of residual pay a writer receives. Most writers are struggling to make ends meet, and their goal is to make a living as a TV and movie writer with a new contract Jamieson added.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.