Los Angeles (July 21, 2006)--Screen Actors Guild (SAG) President Alan Rosenberg today stood in solidarity with striking writers from America’s Next Top Model, who are seeking union recognition for their work. Supported by the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAw), the group made a formal demand for union recognition to the producer of the CW’s television program on July 12. But a deadline to bargain passed July 19. SAG 1st National Vice President Anne-Marie Johnson also represented the Guild.
At a rally held today outside production offices in West Los Angeles, Rosenberg said:
“Hollywood is a union town! I’m honored to be here today in support of our fellow union members at the Writers Guild of America. While America’s Next Top Model is not a SAG-covered program, performers are covered by our sister union’s contract at the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. In fact, Screen Actors Guild has no dispute with this production; we are here to show our solidarity for our sisters and brothers at the WGA.
“As SAG members and actors, we support the dedicated storytellers who are seeking recognition on America’s Next Top Model. Actors in particular appreciate writers…They quite literally put words in our mouths on sets and locations throughout the world. Without them, we’d be silent. Professional writers are as much a vital part of the creative team as actors, technicians and directors. We support professional storytellers in their organizing drive and their brave efforts to insure that their work is covered by a WGA contract. We commend the WGA for its insight and advocacy to protect the wages, working conditions and benefits of its members.”
The WGAw has said it will help the writers do whatever it takes to achieve formal union recognition from the CW and the producer of America’s Next Top Model.
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