Vigilantly for the schmuck

Okay.. so my venture for fighting for those of us in the Entertainment industry who are not getting discount during the strike has gotten some response... here is the latest;

Hello JD,

Thanks for your email.  I truly appreciate your input.

I was specifically asked by several WGA members if I would consider a

discount for the duration of the strike.  My husband, co-owner of Yoga Blend

and actor of 20 years, who has also been affected by the strike thought it

was an excellent idea.  Until now, no one else has approached me requesting

a discount.  I am not exactly sure who all I would extend it to? SAG?

AFTRA? Is there a certain group that could be identified by a membership

card so that I would know? I am happy to help, but unfortunately, I don't

know every single person that has been affected by the strike and have no

way of knowing if they are in the industry unless there is some way to

identify that.

Any input you have for would be greatly appreciated.  I am always willing to

work with anyone in need.  

Thanks again!

_________________________________

My response to this;

Hi there, thanks for your reply.

You probably haven't heard anyone else ask about this as most of us in the industry wouldn't dream of asking for discounts or sympathy.  The writers on the other hand have taken this strike to be a crutch in getting deals all over town.  A bad move especially since some of them get residual pay based on work done in the past, unlike your everyday crew member.

 It's all sad seeing their union was approached over a year ago to begin talks and they turned down the offer.  The executive director of WGA has been quoted in the LA Times  as saying, 'I just lay back and look at the havoc I've wreaked.. I'm not apologizing for that".  That's not the way a union should be operating and it's guild members should not be supporting that.

The good news is that the strike is nearing an end at this point (Thank be to God).  But in the future, in fairness to all, we should get the full picture of whose affected by these situations (hopefully SAG will come to an agreement and we won't be faced with this again in the summer).  Should this situation arise again and you're approached by members of the certain union, it's best not to make a one sided favor and instead say, "we support you and will think of you in this time of need, but in the sense of fairness to others in various departments of entertainment that are forced out of work, we can't do this."   

___________________________

My journey continues... but as I said, the strike is almost over... keep your fingers crossed.