Actors' strike sets pace for industry

NEW YORK - Celebrities from all walks are standing up to be counted in their support of spot commercial actors currently on strike against their producers in the nation-wide action called on May 1 by their union, the Screen Actors Guild.

Among those who have come forward is golf superstar, Tiger Woods, who cancelled a commercial shoot on May 2 to show his support for the actors. This action was followed by players from the world champion New York Yankees who also refused to participate in any form of commercial shoots not sanctioned by the union (SAG recognizes producers who have signed "interim agreements" and has given the go-ahead for actors to work with these companies; over 300 production companies to date have signed these agreements).

Striking SAG members have been active and vocal here as they have picketed numerous concerns throughout the city who are presently using scab labor to shoot commercials. Some have been eyeball to eyeball with non-union actors, or their own brothers who have crossed the picket line. The actors show no sign of giving in to the producers.

Many strikers have pointed out that some of the scab labor presently being used is the result not of the intentions of the individual actors, but of unscrupulous agents who have sent them out with the assurances "it was all right." SAG is actively involved in educating its members on this issue, and reminding them that they do not have to cross the picket line if their agent tells them to.

Meanwhile ...

The current strike here at the Museum of Modern Art by members of UAW Local 2110 (the museum's professional and administrative staff) for better wages and decent job security has got support from its own roster of celebrities. Sheryl Crow "cancelled" a benefit performance at MoMA, effectively refusing to cross the line of the picketing workers. Another cancellation resulted when many artists and performers refused to participate in a picnic to be held to celebrate a joint opening between MoMA and PS 1.

Celebrity support of labor causes is certainly not a new phenomenon; actors and entertainers have traditionally stood with labor in these disputes, often helping, through their popularity, to turn public opinion against the "bosses" and toward full support for labor. And it is probably heartening to the strikers from SAG and at MoMA to know that such traditional support is not a thing of the past.