“As A Union We’re Irreplaceable”: WGA Awards Full Of Strike Talk As Guild Takes Victory Lap

Dominic Patten, Anthony D'Alessandro and Katie Campione
·2 min read
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The writers strike ended seven months ago, but memories of the picket lines were fresh at the WGA Awards tonight.

“The strike is over, the fight goes on,” said former WGAW President David Goodman at the Hollywood Palladium. “As individuals we’re replaceable, but as a union we’re irreplaceable.”

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As the guild gave out awards to scribes, speaker after speaker brought up the 148-day WGA strike as well as the SAG-AFTRA strike.

From WGAW President Meredith Stiehm to Hollywood Teamster Chief Lindsay Dougherty to Goodman and fellow Morgan Cox honoree Chris Keyser and even Drew Carey, the strike was a constant topic.

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Even AMPTP President Carol Lombardini made an appearance to talk strike — sort of. A photo of Lombardini appeared on screen with a mouthpiece full of sarcasm and mocking remarks about the studios and their stance during last year’s hot labor summer. Or, as WGAW Chief Siehm remarked over and over, “Writers were not alone with support from other guilds and allies.” Those remarks brought upon one of many standing ovations for last year’s labor actions and potential labor actions this year for IATSE, the Teamsters and other crafts, who are negotiating with the studios right now.

“Shout out to all you writers who used your picket signs as writing samples,” exclaimed WGA Awards host Niecy Nash-Betts at the top of the ceremony.

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