Don't be a Scab

By Griffin Sendek

courtesy of SAG-AFTRA

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) are on strike, and the majority of all Hollywood Productions across the country are shut down.

First things first, don’t be a scab. If you’re unaware, a scab is the name given to anyone that breaks strikes and crosses picket lines by performing work or services for the struck companies. (It’s not meant to be a term of endearment.)

Don't cross the picket line, don't even think about it.

Even if you aren’t a member of either union, you are still capable of crossing the picket line. You don't have immunity. The picket lines exist regardless of union status and can be crossed just the same.

Especially don’t play fast and loose with these rules if you are an aspiring writer or actor who wishes to one day join the union; getting caught crossing the picket line can bar you from all future union membership.

For new writers and actors, getting yourself noticed is one of the hardest things to do. There will be a temptation to work on some of the larger productions, the idea that just crossing the picket line this once will be what you need to get ahead. -- to cross the picket line to land these studio jobs it would otherwise take years to acquire. Don't give in.

SAG-AFTRA non-member strike info

Not only can it jeopardize your career, it sends a message to everyone else in the industry that you only are only out for yourself. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA exist for the sole purpose of protecting and advocating for their members; these unions work to ensure that these creative careers are still able to exist, the unions aren’t the ones to be going against, and they especially are not who you want to make an adversary of

If you scab, you will get caught. The unions are actively encouraging people to report anyone seen performing work for struck productions. If you get caught, you will be blacklisted, not just from the WGA or SAG, but from every union in the film industry. Unless you're looking for a harsh career shift, don't cross the picket line.

WGA non-member strike info

The film industry employs thousands, but it’s a much smaller industry than you might think–everyone is connected, and everyone talks. Some bad word of mouth is enough to completely derail your career before it has the chance to start. Now is the time to show support and solidarity with the striking writers and actors, not actively fight against them.

WGA Strike rules FAQ

SAG-AFTRA strike rules non-member FAQ

SAG-AFTRA strike rules member FAQ

courtesy of unplash

Is every production shut down?

No, not every production; there is a list on the SAG-AFTRA website of film productions that have agreed to the terms and signed the interim agreement to continue/start filming during the strike. Sample of interim agreement viewed here:

What about my indie project?

Your student short film and no-budget shorts aren’t affiliated with the AMPTP, The WGA and SAG-AFTRA grievances are with the big studios and AMPTP, not you and your small indie film.

Still, look over the strike guidelines to make sure you’re not dipping into any unclear waters with your production and if an interim agreement will be necessary for you to continue. Especially if your project is utilizing current union members.

courtesy of unsplash

What about content creators/influencers?

SAG-AFTRA recently included influencers among their union members; therefore, these rules apply to you as well, even if you aren’t a member yet. Once again, scabbing can bar you from future union membership, don’t jeopardize your entire future over a single brand deal

Be extra careful, studios are desperate for promotional material, and they know the chances of established SAG actors crossing the picket line are slim–to–none. Influencers on the other hand, are often younger, less experienced, and often more independent and less connected to the rest of the SAG-AFTRA network.

And the nature of how influencer and content creators receive brand deals are typically less formal. Look at every opportunity with extra scrutiny and be sure to look over all the strike guidelines to make sure

The movie studios are not above trying to take advantage of a small creator's dreams to be a part of brand collaborations, opportunities, and attending promotional events for their favorite films/TV shows. They will attempt to leverage that level of fandom to try and push creators over the picket line, don’t fall for it.

Read more about the WGA, SAG-AFTRA strike, updates, guidelines, picket dates + locations, and ways you can support on the strike pages here:

https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/

https://www.wgacontract2023.org/