As the strike by thousands of members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) continues, the WGA West is now attempting to organize staffers at MTV’s long-running comedy show, Ridiculousness. On July 12, 11 full-time “creative consultants” on the show filed a petition for a National Labor Relations Board election in an effort to join the writers’ union. The union claims that the staffers initially asked for voluntary recognition from management after signing union cards, but their request was denied.
The WGA West asserts that the Ridiculousness staffers are seeking “parity with their peers in the industry and respect for their work” through the union drive. The union considers Ridiculousness to be comparable to other covered projects like America’s Funniest Home Videos and Tosh.0, and views the creative consultants as comedy-variety writers.
The Hollywood Reporter contacted lawyers representing Purple Shark, LLC, a subsidiary of Rob Dyrdek and Shane Nickerson’s Superjacket Productions, for a comment but received no response. The WGA spokesperson stated that the workers seeking unionization are responsible for generating concepts for segments, writing conversation starters and monologues.
When asked about folding the creative consultants into the existing minimum basic agreement or negotiating a separate pact, the WGA stated that “there are existing MBA terms for shows of this sort, but the Guild will bargain with the employer for an appropriate deal.”
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This organizing effort comes at a time when approximately 11,500 film and television writer members of the WGA East and WGA West have been on strike for over 80 days against top Hollywood studios and streamers. Alongside the WGA strike, a SAG-AFTRA strike that began on July 14 has resulted in the shutdown of almost all production on scripted U.S. film and television projects involving union workers. As a non-WGA production, Ridiculousness’ creative consultants are currently continuing to work.
Expanding on this information, the strike by the WGA East and WGA West began on May 2, 2022, after the expiration of the previous contract. The writers are demanding higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions, particularly in relation to streaming platforms. They argue that while the industry has experienced significant growth, their compensation has not kept pace. The strike has disrupted the production of numerous television shows and films, causing delays and financial losses for studios.
In addition to the strike, the WGA has been actively organizing workers in other areas of the entertainment industry. The effort to unionize the creative consultants on Ridiculousness is part of this larger campaign. By organizing these workers, the WGA hopes to ensure that they receive fair wages and benefits, as well as a voice in their working conditions.
The WGA is also working to build solidarity among other unions in the industry. The SAG-AFTRA strike, which began after the WGA strike, is an example of this collaboration. The two unions are supporting each other’s actions, recognizing that their struggles are interconnected. This coordinated approach increases the pressure on studios and streamers to address the writers’ demands.
The WGA has received significant support from other industry professionals, including actors, directors, producers, and fellow writers. These individuals have voiced their solidarity with the striking writers and called on the studios to negotiate a fair contract. Some have even refused to cross picket lines or participate in projects affected by the strike. This united front demonstrates the widespread recognition of the writers’ grievances and the importance of supporting their fight for better working conditions.
As the strike approaches its third month, negotiations between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) continue. Both sides have expressed a willingness to return to the bargaining table, but progress has been limited. The WGA is committed to holding out until their demands are met, while the AMPTP seeks a resolution that satisfies both parties.
In conclusion, the WGA West’s efforts to organize the creative consultants on Ridiculousness is a part of the larger struggle for fair wages and working conditions in the entertainment industry. The strike by the WGA East and WGA West continues to gain support and disrupt production, putting pressure on studios to address the writers’ demands. Through their solidarity with other unions and industry professionals, the writers are making their voices heard and fighting for a more equitable industry.
