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May 2, 2023 – Midtown Manhattan: By APB Staff Writer
It’s the Writers Guild of America’s first strike in more than 15 years, movie, production, commercial and TV show writers took to the streets in New York to picket out in front of the Peacock Newfront presentation.
The union members gathered at 415 Fifth Avenue growing to more than 300, extending around the block. The picketers waved signs and shouted slogans like “no writing / no TV!” and chanted along with organizers on a bullhorn: “What do we want? Contract! When do we want it? Now! If we don’t get it / shut it down!”
The dreaded inflatable rat dispatched by unions throughout the city to bring attention to employers was erected on the sidewalk. The picket line was joined by some top names, including Tony and Emmy winner Tony Kushner and Emmy winner Danny Strong.
Kushner told Deadline he was ready for a lengthy battle with the AMPTP. At issue – Viewership-based residuals, artificial intelligence and minimum staffing for writers rooms are at the forefront of the WGA’s demands with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, according to a planning and strategy document the writers started on Monday night.
