Two weeks after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA filed complaints against NBCUniversal, claiming the studio had violated their right to picket and endangered their safety by obstructing the public sidewalk, the company has made partial changes to the picket line along Lankershim Blvd. The changes, which include freshly poured asphalt and removed fencing, were revealed to marchers and pedestrians just hours before the unions held a joint press conference and rally at the studio’s main entrance.
During the event, WGA West president David A. Goodman criticized NBCUniversal for its actions, stating, “Our employers hate picketing… NBCU hated it so much they ripped up the sidewalks.” The construction work on the studio’s boundary along Lankershim Blvd. began a week after the writers’ strike started in May.
On June 6, the LAPD recommended the use of temporary concrete barriers, known as K-rails, along the street for safety reasons. In response, the WGA gathered over 26,000 signatures on a petition demanding better picketing conditions outside the lot. Originally planning to march the petition through the studio’s gates, the unions were pleasantly surprised by the concessions made by NBCUniversal on Tuesday morning.
In a statement, NBCUniversal expressed their support for the guilds’ right to demonstrate and mentioned that they have been actively seeking solutions to improve access during their ongoing construction project. The company has submitted two potential plans to the city for review and approval. The first plan involves placing hard barriers in the street, while the second plan, already implemented, creates temporary walking paths and shaded rest areas for picketers at the gates along Lankershim Blvd.
Related Post
The WGA is adamant that the K-rail project be completed to ensure pedestrian safety. A spokesperson for the Writers Guild emphasized their commitment to holding NBCUniversal accountable and negotiating a fair contract. The reopening of Lankershim Blvd., which now allows foot traffic on either end but not for multiple blocks in between, is seen as a half-measure granted due to public pressure. The WGA organizers noted a shift in NBCUniversal’s engagement after facing public backlash for illegal tree trimming along another stretch of sidewalk, resulting in a city fine.
WGA coordinator Mike Moore dryly commented on how quickly the company could lay down a new sidewalk, suggesting that they are aware of news cycles. Another coordinator, Rob Forman, sees the sidewalk situation as a microcosm of the strike, where it took significant pressure and shaming for NBCUniversal to take action. However, they view this as a first step in addressing their needs.
The WGA hopes that SAG-AFTRA, which has had members supporting the picket line but no official presence since their work stoppage began, will now feel comfortable joining them. SAG-AFTRA had cited safety concerns as the reason for not sending their members to picket. At the rally, SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee member Joely Fisher expressed her commitment to supporting the strike and vowed to be there for the long haul.
NBCUniversal’s decision to improve access to the picket line comes after Hackman Capital Partners, the owner of Radford Studio Center, allowed picketing at its main entrance following scrutiny from The Hollywood Reporter regarding its legality.
Overall, these recent developments indicate progress in addressing the concerns raised by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA regarding picketing conditions and safety at NBCUniversal. The unions remain committed to holding the studio accountable and negotiating a fair contract.
