The town can count on plenty of strike picketing this week.
Jeff Hermanson, the WGA West's top organizer and strike coordinator, has told the guild's membership that picketing is crucial to getting a good deal.
"I say this as someone with over 30 years of trial-and-error, first-hand experience on the lines: picketing has given us almost all the bargaining power we have," said Hermanson in a message to members sent out Sunday afternoon.
Hermanson, who's operated mostly behind the scenes during the strike, also said that a board member or negotiating committee member will be present at each studio on every picket line shift on Monday.
"The picket lines helped shut down the TV season and many movies," he wrote. "Picketing helps to reinforce the fact that scabbing is unacceptable. We created a climate of unity and strength and shutting down production all over town is a major reason the companies are feeling pressure to deal with us fairly."
Hermanson's entire message, after the jump.
-- Dave McNary
As our strike reaches its fourth week, I know many of you are wondering why, even during negotiations, despite family responsibilities and other obligations, we must take to the streets.
I say that not only as your strike coordinator. I say this as someone with over 30 years of trial-and-error, first-hand experience on the lines: picketing has given us almost all the bargaining power we have. Picketing is the biggest reason we are receiving such public support and benefiting from immense labor solidarity. And a strong and continued presence on the lines is by far the most vital element to resolving this strike in a way that is fair to writers. On Monday, a Board member or Negotiating Committee member will be present at each studio on every picket line shift.
The picket lines are the public face of this strike. The fact is, the public and the other unions have been greatly supportive and inspired by our pickets, nearly, 2,000 strong each day. The studios have been surprised by our resolve and dedication. Our pickets show our seriousness of purpose. They show we're willing to make personal sacrifices, which is critical as others face hardship from production shut-downs. They show that we are determined to get a fair deal for our future, no matter what it takes. It is impossible to overstate how much goodwill and empathy we have generated from our willingness to walk the walk.
The picket lines helped shut down the TV season and many movies. Picketing helps to reinforce the fact that scabbing is unacceptable. We created a climate of unity and strength -- and shutting down production all over town is a major reason the companies are feeling pressure to deal with us fairly.
The picket lines show that we are a strong community of writers. It's important, during a tough strike such as this one, that we realize we are a united and powerful group, that we are part of a cause that is much larger than any one writer's contract. It's a fact of human nature that we gain strength when we see each other face to face.
Why we must keep picketing in full force: Until we have a deal, we must not appear to slack off in any way. We must not succumb to rumors intended to sap our strength. Our numbers and enthusiasm matter because the other side is literally monitoring our attendance and the public is measuring our stamina. Our pickets are nothing less than a daily show of our collective resolve.
Picketing can be tough. It can be physically draining. There are other things many of us could be doing with these hours. But now is the time to keep walking, and to keep fighting for our future. Every step you take makes a difference. We will get the fair deal we deserve. There is no time to turn back, or give in, or let up, until the ink is dry on a fair contract.
-- Jeff Hermanson, strike coordinator, WGA West
Very inspiring letter Mr. Hermanson. You've done a great job and your resolve is helping keep everyone strong.
Posted by: Miles | December 02, 2007 at 11:12 PM