TV and film writers in the Writers Guild of America are currently on strike, and some shows, including “General Hospital,” are turning to scab writers to continue producing new episodes. Shannon Peace, a WGA member and writer for the soap opera, shared on Instagram that the show will now be penned exclusively by scab writers, which is disheartening. Scab workers are individuals who cross the picket line during strikes and perform the work of striking union members.
“General Hospital” is one of four network TV soaps still on the air, and the use of scab writers is seen as a necessary measure due to declining ratings and cancellations of other daytime soaps. While daytime writers are conflicted about their characters and storylines being handed over to scab writers, they also understand that stopping production could lead to the demise of soap operas. The hope is that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) will come to a fair agreement soon, not just for the writers, but for the integrity of storytelling.
Unlike the writers, the actors on “General Hospital” are not on strike as they are governed by a different contract settled last summer. However, about 160,000 members of the Screen Actors Guild have been on strike since earlier this month. Both the writers and actors are advocating for equitable pay, better working conditions, and safeguards against the use of artificial intelligence to replace their work.
Although the situation is complex, Peace encourages “General Hospital” fans to continue watching the show to support everyone who works on it. The Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild have not called for a boycott of shows or movies, but instead emphasize the importance of public support to demonstrate to studio executives the irreplaceability of writers and actors.
During the previous writers strike in 2007 and 2008, major daytime soaps also employed scab writers. These writers operated under a guild designation known as “financial core,” which allowed them to pay some union dues and fees and be covered by collective bargaining agreements without being union members or compelled to go on strike.
The use of scab writers on “General Hospital” is a temporary measure to keep the show running, but it highlights the ongoing struggle for fair treatment and recognition of the value that writers and actors bring to the industry.
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