Production on the latest season of the popular cooking show, Worst Cooks in America, has come to a halt as approximately 50 crew members have gone on strike. The crew members are demanding that the show be covered under an IATSE contract, which would provide them with better pay and benefits. This work stoppage is a recognition strike, with crew members from various departments, such as camera, grip and electric, and set decoration, joining together to pressure management into recognizing a union as their collective bargaining representative.
The union behind this strike is IATSE, which represents tens of thousands of crew members in the film and television industry. They announced the work stoppage on Twitter, stating that Bright Road Productions, the company behind Worst Cooks in America, has refused to offer fair wages and benefits to the crew. They emphasized the need for industry-standard wages and benefits, which many crews in unscripted TV have been lacking for far too long. Jonas Loeb, the Director of Communications for IATSE, mentioned the ongoing struggles faced by writers and actors in the entertainment industry, highlighting the unprecedented wave of solidarity among workers.
Objective Media Group, the studio for Worst Cooks in America, confirmed that the labor conflict has led to the shutdown of the production. They explained that due to the IATSE’s demand for recognition on behalf of the crew and the inability to reach an agreement with the union, Season 28 has been forced to shut down. This indicates the power of the strike in affecting the production and the importance of negotiations between the production company and the union.
In response, Jonas Loeb from IATSE criticized the production for ending work and attempting to hire a non-union crew to wrap up the stages rather than negotiating in good faith. He emphasized the picket line and the union’s willingness to bargain and reach a fair agreement that covers the needs of the workers. Loeb’s statement reflects the determination of IATSE to fight for the rights and benefits of their members.
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The Hollywood Reporter reached out to the Food Network for comment, but no response has been provided as of yet. This strike and subsequent shutdown come at a time when the working conditions of cast and crew in reality television are under scrutiny. Prominent litigators Bryan Freedman and Mark Geragos have launched a campaign to expose alleged mistreatment on NBCUniversal unscripted shows. They have called for the release of casts and crews from “draconian” non-disclosure agreements, claiming that NBC has been using these agreements to silence participants.
The reality television industry has been facing challenges with regards to labor rights. Double strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA have primarily affected scripted projects, leaving job openings scarce for those working in the non-union reality field. The difficult times and lack of job security make it harder for reality workers to take the risk of unionization, as they often have to accept unrealistic schedules and budgets in order to secure work.
Overall, the strike on Worst Cooks in America showcases the power of collective action by crew members in demanding fair wages and benefits. The involvement of IATSE, a prominent union representing crew members in the entertainment industry, highlights the ongoing struggles faced by workers in the field and the need for industry-wide reforms. The situation also brings attention to the working conditions and mistreatment that can occur in reality television, calling for greater transparency and protection for those involved in unscripted shows.
