Signs of the picket times

When the strike began two weeks ago, writers mostly avoided adding any slogans to their signs, opting to stick with the simple red-and-black "Writers Guild of America ON STRIKE" pickets.

Two weeks later, the scribes can't resist adding a little extra. In the last few days, the signs have gotten much more cheeky. Witness Monday's assistants strike at the Fox lot, where these signs were spotted:

"The AMPTP: Fox Us All Over Again" (as seen on the left)

"Will Strike For Churros"

"Dana Walden Laid Me Off"

"They'll Get My Pencil When They Pry It From My Cold, Dead Fingers"

"4¢ -- You Have That In Your Cushions"

"5¢ a bottle/4¢ a DVD (8¢ in Michigan)"

(Of course, those are still tame compared to the saucy Kathy Griffin/Sarah Silverman picket signs from last week.)

Meanwhile, although much of the discussion in recent weeks has centered on residuals for digital downloads and streaming, the focus Monday -- at least at the Fox lot -- appeared to be more centered on DVD residuals. Several strikers mentioned the 4 cents proposal (witness the signs mentioned above); at least two strikers even marched with homemade shirts that simply read, "4¢."

-- Michael Schneider

Comments

[Sure Fire]

I can imagine that these writers are getting awfully bored standing around in parking lots, holding signs. Does anyone know how long the Union will be able to pay these writers if this strike continues for a long time?

[Pink Eraser]

Whoa. Do you get paid residuals on your blog comments?

[deanna]

someone i was picketing with yesterday had a sign that said "and while we're at it, give better notes!" thought it was funny.