A loss of US$350 million in wages since the Hollywood writers strike began
on Nov. 5 is delivering a damaging blow to the local economy, according to Jack
Kyser of the Los Angeles Economic Development Committee.
Scores of TV shows have halted production and almost 40,000 carpenters,
electricians and other "below-the-line" workers have been laid off.
"But the guy that sweeps the floor, the laborers that pick up the trash and
stuff, the guys that live from paycheck to paycheck, they are the ones that are
really starting to hurt," TV set dresser David Potter said.
Prop houses and other businesses that rely on the entertainment dollar are
hurting.
"I had to lay off everyone in my crew, all 24 people," Harvey Schwartz of
20th Century Props said. "And that was really rough on them and really rough on
me."
Elyea said the Writers Guild of America's announcement last week that it
would negotiate deals with independent producers and studios offered some hope.
"One or two shows, especially a large show, can make a world of difference
with us," he said. "We could bring people back full-time."
A spokeswoman for the Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees said the
two-month-old walkout has been "devastating" for its members. Katherine Orloff
said the workers have lost paychecks as well as work hours they need to be
eligible for union health insurance and pension coverage.
