November 27, 2007 just what I would expect Laugh Lines in the Hollywood Strike “In years past, our picketing schedule has gone,'Picket on Mondays for two hours and then meet at a bar until the following Monday,'" said David Young, the union's director, early this month. "That’s not how we're going to do it this time." Studio executives rolled their eyes, but they soon blanched as well-organized pickets fanned out across Los Angeles and New York, and only grew in intensity. It turns out, many union members say, that striking in Hollywood — at least short term — is not that bad. A lot of strikers say they are enjoying networking, taping YouTube videos, organizing theme days and dreaming up placard slogans. I have to say, I've really been enjoying reading the updates at UnitedHollywood.com. But this is my favorite part: The seeming contradiction between the serious strike and the circus sideshow was on display at the Hollywood Boulevard rally, which drew more than 4,000 people. Writers pumped their fists in the air, cheered speeches by union officers and shouted slogans like, "On strike, shut 'em down. Hollywood's a union town." Even the Teamsters were impressed. "Wow," said Leo Reed, the gruff secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 399 and director of its motion picture division. "You are acting like a militant union." Even my brotherhood is impressed ;) Yay WGA! Jenn posted at 7:10 PM |