A recent viral video clip from the popular sitcom “The Nanny” features Fran Drescher, the acclaimed actress and current president of the Screen Actors Guild, imparting one of her mother’s three cardinal rules to her boss: “Never, ever, ever cross a picket line.”
Interestingly, Drescher not only upholds this rule in real life, but she is currently leading the union representing the 160,000 actors who initiated a strike on July 13.
The actors’ strike revolves around two key issues: profit-sharing and protections against artificial intelligence. The Writers Guild of America has been on strike since May, as they claim their compensation has stagnated due to the growth of streaming services. Interestingly, this is the first time since 1960 that both unions have gone on strike simultaneously.
The strikes have raised an important question for consumers who wish to support these workers: Does watching Netflix or going to the movies constitute crossing a figurative picket line?
As of now, it appears that it does not.
Traditionally, a picket line consists of striking workers gathering in front of their workplace or major studios in this particular strike. Historically, supporting individuals would refrain from crossing that line.
“The notion that people who watch Netflix or go to the movies are crossing a picket line is a stretch — where, after all, are the pickets?” commented James Bennett, an esteemed economics professor from George Mason University. He emphasized that a picket line should involve actual picketers and stated, “a virtual picket line is a novel concept.”
While unions in digital media and online shopping have proposed the concept of a digital picket line, the actors’ and writers’ unions have not called for a boycott of streaming services or the cancellation of “Barbenheimer” tickets.
In terms of individual consumers deciding whether to watch, it ultimately depends on their stance and objective.
“The question for all workers and consumers in any strike is: Which side are you on?” questioned Dan Cornfield, a respected sociology professor at Vanderbilt University and labor expert. When workers go on strike, there are various ways for consumers and the public to show support, such as joining them on the picket line or participating in a boycott.
Cornfield emphasized that boycotting could inflict financial harm on companies while delivering a broader message about the importance of fair treatment for workers. Additionally, Adam Seth Litwin, an esteemed industrial labor relations professor at Cornell University, urged people to listen to the requests of the striking unions. He asserted that consuming the content created by writers and actors could demonstrate the impact their work has on the revenue generated by streaming platforms and studios.
Conversely, streamers may be able to endure a prolonged strike due to their extensive inventory of content. As long as customers continue paying their monthly fees, companies like Netflix can withstand the strike for a significant period of time.
Experts suggest that the unions might consider implementing a consumer boycott as a strategic tool during later stages of the negotiations if an agreement is not reached.
As for not attending movie theaters, that action could potentially harm both the struggling theaters and their employees, particularly amidst the ongoing pandemic. Litwin stated, “At the moment, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to take this out on the theaters themselves.”
Nevertheless, there are individuals who wish to make a statement. David Escobedo, a former improv actor from Los Angeles pursuing a Ph.D. in England, felt compelled to support his striking friends and thus decided to cancel his Netflix subscription, despite the unions not explicitly calling for it.
“To be honest, I really enjoy Netflix,” he admitted. “‘Black Mirror’ is one of my all-time favorite shows.”
However, Escobedo believed it was important to send a message, especially when it can be challenging to capture the attention of large institutions. When canceling, he specified his support for the strikes, seeing it as a way to convey solidarity. He mentioned that he still used other streaming services, such as Disney+, which offers his young son’s favorite content, and had no plans to cancel those subscriptions for now.
Other individuals, including Professor Litwin, are also contemplating taking similar actions. He stated, “I haven’t canceled my streaming subscriptions yet, but I’m listening,” indicating a willingness to join a boycott if the unions expressed the need for one.
Janine Granda, an actress and member of the Screen Actors Guild currently on strike, expressed that they actually encourage people to go to the movies. She planned to attend a double feature of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” with a group of friends over the weekend. Should the unions alter their stance, she assured, “you’ll hear us.”
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
