11/12/2007

LA Businesses, and an Enterprising Manager, Support Writers


The WGA just sent out an official email listing a few local businesses that support the strike. We captains have been encouraged to approach businesses in our neighborhoods, tell them what is going on, and ask for their help.

I'd like to expand upon the idea though: If you are a business owner who wants to offer discounts to striking writers, please consider offering discounts to IATSE members and Teamsters who may have been thrown out of work by the conglomerates' refusal to offer a fair deal. We're all in this together.

- Silverlake Yoga is offering a 20% discount to WGA members while the strike lasts.

- Chan Dara, on Pico near Bundy is offering a 25% discount to any member showing a WGA card.

- Jack Sprat’s Grille, 10668 W. Pico, one mile west of Fox, will give WGA members 15% off their meals when they show their membership card.

- Matt Sherman Management has invited all WGA members to enjoy drinks on the house. Wednesday November 14th from 7 pm to 9:30 pm at VICE, 6364 Hollywood Blvd. between Ivar and Cahuenga. Please bring your WGA card for admittance. [Well played, Matt Sherman, well played.]

Also from the WGA email:

Here is a link to a PDF which can be printed out to make WGA strike support signage to place in stores and other local businesses to show support. This is a simple way for people who ask “What can I do to support the Guild?” to get involved.
I welcome businesses with special offers for any and all union members to post them in the comments. You can also email kmyers [at sign] wga [a dot] org.
Thanks!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Anyone on the westside needs a plumber, please call Lee Arnold at 310-392-4526.

John Aboud said...

The above poster, Lee Arnold, has sent a very good essay on new media that we will be posting soon! He's a plumber who cares about the issues at stake here! And no, he won't charge you every time you flush the toilet.

Anonymous said...

Lies! That toilet is a creative genius! It deserves residuals ...and 2000 Flushes™ deserves to wash them away in a torrent of blue chemicals!

Anonymous said...

We've set aside a block of complimentary tickets for striking WGA writers to attend a classic stage play which is opening in Hollywood on the 29th. As writers may have some extra time on their hands presently, we think that a good way to invest a little of it would be to take in a work penned by a Nobel-laureate writer, and hopefully to be inspired by it. *Monna Vanna* opened in 1902 on all the important stages of Europe, except for in England, where it was banned by censor. There is more information about the donation and contact information for WGA writers who would like to reserve a complimentary ticket at http://tinyurl.com/2jushp, or writers may call (323)969-4602. Additional information about the play is available at www.monna-vanna.com .
Thanks for any assistance in spreading the word about the donation to the writers, and best wishes with returning to work as soon as possible.

Anonymous said...

In addition to boycotting these network websites and refusing to watch the episodes online the supporters should also keep track of who the advertisers are and boycott them as well. If giving these advertisers a bad rep causes any one of them to pull their ads, they'd have to reconsider, wouldn't they?

Anonymous said...

Any discounts for laid off post production workers? It sounds like i'll be unemployed right after Thanksgiving.

SB said...

and nothing for the production crews that are out of work as a result of this strike...

Nothing.

Anonymous said...

I totally support this because what there saying is true. I think the part about them ending scripted t.v. is overexaterating but I can support it. The most the hollywood heavyweights will lose is a couple of houses big deal, the writers have families and stuff. Despite what they may say not everyone likes reality t.v. and pretty soon those same people are going to be asking for money. Quit be so damn greedy and give in because your going to do anyway after you see all the money their losing. My point is if you don't want to see the writers become big on their own doing the indpendent movement you better give in.

David Grenier said...

The thing is that boycotting advertisers I think falls under the category of a "secondary boycott", which is unfortunately illegal under U.S. Labor Law. Which doesn't necessarily mean that you as an individual can't choose not to buy Tide when they advertise on The OFfice or whatever, but it does mean that the WGA probably can't encourage such behavior without facing injunctions and fines and such.

The big question for the law-talking types, of course, is whether comments posted on a blog that's not even an office WGA dealie count as encouraging a secondary boycott.

David Grenier said...

SB - If you notice, United Hollywood is encouraging businesses to also support crew members.

As always, I wonder if those professing sympathy for the laid-off crew members will support IATSE when they strike (for example, are you supporting stagehands striking on broadway), or will they then pretend to have sympathy for the poor writers and actors who are laid off?

Anonymous said...

Discount prices to WGA and other union members is excellent. Keep them coming.

And while you're at it, charge double to the AMPTP!

ml said...

Gregory Sabatino Productions stands with striking WGA members. We invite you to be our guests at THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES and/or THE CRUCIBLE, running at The Matrix Theatre from November 15 through December 2 and from December 6 through December 23 respectively. Give me a call at 937.231.8502 or email me at mhennings@sunlion.us to arrange for your comp tickets.

ml