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« WGA Post-Strike Watch: News About Returning Shows
WGA Files Complaint with National Labor Relations Board; AMPTP Responds
What's the saying — it gets worse before it gets better? The WGA on Thursday filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, positing that the AMPTP illegally broke off talks late last week when the negotiations hit a major impasse. Jeff Hermanson, assistant executive director of the Writers Guild of America West, tells the AP that a Dec. 7 letter from the AMPTP's chief negotiator insisting that a half-dozen proposals be dropped is "the smoking gun" to support their filing. Says Hermanson, "We find it outrageous that the AMPTP would walk out of negotiations in a holiday season while thousands are out of work."
Not one to sit by idly, the AMPTP has responded to the NLRB filing by calling the charges "baseless" and issuing the following statement: "[It] reminds us of the old lawyers' adage: 'When the facts are on your side, argue the facts. When the law is on your side, argue the law. And when you don't have either the law or the facts on your side, you pound the table.' The WGA has now been reduced to pounding the table, and this baseless, desperate NLRB complaint is just the latest indication that the WGA's negotiating strategy has achieved nothing for working writers."
The NLRB has 30 days to determine whether the WGA's charges are valid. If so, a hearing will be scheduled with an administrative-law judge.
More strike coverage:
• Rupert Murdoch: Strike Won't Last Long... Or Maybe It Will
• Late-night Hosts to Return in Unison?
• Directors Guild "Disappointed" by WGA Strike Stalemate
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Dec 14, 2007 10:12 AM
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The writers are within their rights to file this complaint if they believe it will get talks going again,but I have the feeling it will take something really drastic,like arbitration(which both sides have long opposed)to get this thing settled.
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Dec 14, 2007 11:17 AM
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Well that sounds like it will take a long time to resolve. I support the writers but come on guys I want my tv back. Work it out already.
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Dec 14, 2007 11:45 AM
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I'll say this ... I'm getting tired of both sides and their crap. It's getting ridicoulous. Both sides are apparently resistant to having an arbitrator, but you know what?? I think that's the only way this has a chance to get resolved, because both sides seem to be so angry at the other they don't even want to sit down and talk and if they do then it just ends up blowing up all over the place. So please WGA and AMPTP ... let the arbitrators step in and try to resolve this for you, because I'm beginning to think ya'll won't on your own and as I said before I'm getting tired of all the crap coming from both camps.
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Dec 14, 2007 11:53 AM
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The NLRB has 30 days to determine whether the WGA's charges are valid. If so, a hearing will be scheduled with an administrative law judge.
Because there is no urgency whatsoever. No, sir. End sarcasm.
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Dec 14, 2007 12:04 PM
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"both sides seem to be so angry at the other they don't even want to sit down and talk"
Howzat? The writers are willing to sit down and talk. The studio execs are the ones refusing to even show up to negotiations.
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Dec 14, 2007 3:53 PM
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The 30 days for the NLRB to review the complaint is a legal thing in the charter of the NLRB. It's not out of anyone's desire to drag this out.
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Dec 14, 2007 4:15 PM
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Howzat? The writers are willing to sit down and talk. The studio execs are the ones refusing to even show up to negotiations.
Sorry ... maybe I didn't make myself perfectly clear, but if you read the next part of my sentence ... it says ... and if they do then it just ends up blowing up all over the place.
They are willing to sit and talk now (although they weren't at the start at the strike and not until after Thanksgiving) and now that they are it just seems that everything is just as I said "blowing up all over the place".
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Dec 14, 2007 4:21 PM
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What I'm growing tired of more than either side are people whining and complaining about wanting their shows back and blame those trying to get this deal done (or undone, as it seems).
Of course I'll miss my shows too. I won't get to see the redemption of 24 for another year, probably. Not much will happen in Lost's 8 episodes. I won't get to see the full season pickup of either Pushing Daisies or Chuck. And yes, all of these shows and more having their seasons silenced is a true tragedy, especially with so many people out of work.
Despite everything, I know that it is temporary. I know that someday, my shows will return. All of them will. I don't need them to be back tomorrow or even by next September. I'll miss my shows, but they will be back and I will be ready.
What's really important is that both sides reach a fair and just conclusion to this mess. It will take time. I say let them work it out. No one should be allowed to abandon the talks, for sure, but for Pete's sake, stop being angry at them for protecting their best interests! Both sides have a lot at stake and while I find the AMPTP's attitude ugly, self-important and patronizing, what they are doing is right in their minds. To just lay down and give into demands is failing the negotiation process.
Yes, both of you, sit down and talk and don't come out until you're in agreement. But this season's already toast. Take your time. Don't worry about us. We'll be fine. We'll read books, see classic movies, play video games, ride bikes or even find that special someone with the fantastic body we've always been looking for.
I realize that these talks are more important than me getting my nightly TV fix. And also, I've got better things to do. We all should have better things to do. After all, can we really say that this is any of our business?
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Dec 14, 2007 9:10 PM
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