The UK creative industries' union, Bectu, has conducted a survey revealing the significant impact of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes on film and TV workers in the UK.
Bectu reached out to nearly 4,000 UK-based film and TV professionals to gauge the repercussions of the ongoing industrial disputes in the United States. The survey findings paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by these workers.
Key Findings:
Widespread Unemployment: An overwhelming three-quarters (75%) of the respondents stated that they are currently unemployed due to the strikes.
Direct Employment Impact: A staggering 80% reported that their employment had been directly affected by the industrial disputes in the US.
Financial Concerns: A significant 90% expressed deep concerns about their financial security amid these uncertainties.
Financial Struggles: For 35% of respondents, paying household bills, rent, or mortgages has become an uphill battle. Additionally, 15% resorted to taking out loans or unsecured debt to cover their expenses.
Housing Concerns: A worrying one in ten respondents is contemplating moving in with family members, including parents, to mitigate their financial challenges.
Mental Health Impact: A concerning 60% revealed that they are grappling with mental health issues as a direct result of their loss of work and financial worries.
Future in Doubt: Almost 25% of the respondents admitted that they do not envision themselves working in the industry over the next five years.
Personal Stories:
The survey collected poignant accounts from affected workers, including one pregnant woman who lost her job, expressing the stress and anxiety it had caused her. Others shared stories of financial strain and uncertainty, with some feeling abandoned during the pandemic, leading to wo
rsening financial positions.
Bectu's Warning:
Bectu's Head, Philippa Childs, had previously sounded the alarm in July, warning that a "perfect storm" was brewing for freelancers in the industry. She highlighted the compounding issues of high inflation, declining advertising revenue, and a slowdown in commissioning, further exacerbated by the ongoing strikes.
Childs emphasized the severity of the situation, citing layoffs under 'force majeure' clauses with minimal notice or compensation. She called attention to the industry's long-standing pattern of precarious employment for crew members and urged the government to step in and provide support.
She stressed that the freelance workforce, often the first to suffer and the hardest hit when productions are disrupted, needs urgent industry collaboration and employer commitment to secure the UK's status as a cultural hub.
Solidarity and Global Impact:
Bectu hosted a webinar where SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland expressed gratitude for the support from Bectu members and acknowledged the significant economic consequences of the strikes. He emphasized that these strikes affect individuals globally, emphasizing the responsibility of multinational corporations involved.
The ongoing industrial disputes in the United States continue to have far-reaching effects, with UK film and TV workers facing severe challenges, both financially and emotionally. The creative industry's future in the UK may depend on concerted efforts from various stakeholders to provide the necessary support and solutions in these trying times.
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