In a display of unity and determination, entertainment industry workers in Chicago are gearing up to join a nationwide day of solidarity in support of their fellow writers and performers who are currently on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
This historic event, organized by the WGA, SAG-AFTRA, and the AFL-CIO, is set to take place on Tuesday, August 22, at Buckingham Fountain – 301 S Columbus Dr. in downtown Chicago.
The strike, which has affected productions across the country, addresses critical issues that have plagued entertainment industry workers for far too long. Despite record profits being reported by massive media companies such as Netflix, Amazon and Apple, the wages, benefits, and job protections for those responsible for bringing entertainment to our screens have been steadily eroding. This has left many talented individuals struggling to make a sustainable living from their craft.
Furthermore, the advent of artificial intelligence (A.I.) has introduced an additional threat to entertainment workers. Media companies increasingly demand the use of their creative work, such as writing, and their likenesses indefinitely, all without offering fair compensation.
Chicagoans are joining this nationwide day of solidarity to voice their support for the strike and demand justice for entertainment industry workers.
The event in Chicago is set to take place at Buckingham Fountain, located at Buckingham Fountain – 301 S Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60605 on Tuesday, August 22, starting at 12:00 PM CT.
A notable presence is expected at the Chicago event, with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond lending his support. Mr. Redmond’s involvement underscores the significance of this nationwide movement to protect the rights and livelihoods of entertainment workers.
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This gathering is an opportunity for those in the entertainment industry, as well as their supporters, to make their voices heard. It serves as a reminder that the issues being raised in this strike not only affect those working in the industry but also have broader implications for the creative workforce as a whole.
For those unable to attend but still wishing to contribute to the cause, the Entertainment Community Fund offers a means to support entertainment workers affected by the strike. Every contribution goes a long way in helping those who make our entertainment possible.
The nationwide day of solidarity on August 22 promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for fair compensation and job protections for entertainment industry workers. Chicagoans are standing shoulder to shoulder with their colleagues across the nation, united in their demand for change.
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