American writers on strike get picketline backing from AWU leader

The AWU has backed some of the talented writers in Los Angeles who are behind our most popular TV programs which we all enjoy nightly. TV shows on Australian networks now under threat because of a long industrial dispute.

Australia's oldest and largest blue collar labour union joined the American writers - who have been on strike for two months - in a picket line action in Los Angeles.

In a demonstration of global labour solidarity, the national secretary of the Australian Workers Union, Paul Howes, today talked to striking writers, actors and actresses, and industry professionals at a rally at 20th Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles.

Elvis Costello walks with union picketers

Elvis Costello was there marching on the picket line, as were a large number of talented Australians who write for TV shows in Los Angeles.

Writers of top TV shows on strike

• Grey's Anatomy;

• Desperate Housewives;

• Brothers and sisters;

• CSI;

• CSI NY;

• CSI Miami.

If the strike goes on much longer our TV networks won't be able to continue running the programs - because new TV production work for most of these shows has now stopped at the major US film studios.

"The major studios and networks made over $US95 billion in revenue... a large proportion of that revenue comes from the sale of television series to countries like Australia," he told the media.

TV shows on the internet

"We believe in a fair go at work - (I think that it is important) that Australian unionists show solidarity with the American Writer's Guild.

Paul Howes was in California for various meetings and asked to meet with the Writers Guild to discuss mutual labour issues. The Guild's President, Patric Verrone, was eager to meet with the AWU leader.

"The AWU is one of Australia's largest and most influential labour unions, and we are honoured that AWU National Secretary took the time to join striking writers on the line," said Patric M. Verrone, president of the Writers Guild of America, West.

Mr Verrone talked with Paul Howes about future support from the AWU, as the strikers face more picketline marching stretching into a 3rd month.

Global solidarity

"The struggle of these brave writers for a just contract is the entire labour movement's fight," said Howes. "Fair payment for Internet and New Media content in the U.S. is just as important in Australia. I am proud to be on the picket line here at Fox to lend my support and the support of the AWU to the Writers Guild."

Outside the Fox Studios in Los Angeles one of the 200 WGA members and supporters who marched with Paul quipped: "Now he ( Paul Howes) gets to picket in front of Australian business leader Rupert Murdoch's office, right here in Los Angeles."

The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) represents writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable, and new media industries in both entertainment and news.

For more information, please visit: http://www.wga.org/