We support the Writers Guild of America
David Edgar addresses the demonstration in support of striking American writers (Photo: Simon Denton/WGGB) British writers and US expats turned out in force today for a demonstration in London in support of the American writers' strike. Speaking to the assembled crowd and media, WGGB President, David Edgar, sent best wishes to the American writers and stressed that their fight was for the recognition of the fundamental right of authorship. Guild General Secretary, Bernie Corbett, also emphasised the international importance of the dispute. Although British writers have secured many of the rights being sought by the WGA, if the American writers were to be unsuccessful it could have a knock-on effect around the world. TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, pledged the support of the wider British trades union movement in what he said was a very important dispute over important matters of principle. Actor Timothy West also addressed the demonstration, speaking for many other actors present in offering support for the American writers' cause. Video from the event is available on YouTube.   
The London demonstration was part of an international day of solidarity, with events also taking place in Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada and Mexico. In Cardiff, WGGB members joined with colleagues from Equity and the NUJ for their own protest.
Update (06.12.2007): An open letter from the WGA Dear Members of the International Writers’ Community: We at the Writers Guild of America extend our heartfelt thanks to members of the international community for your unprecedented and robust outpouring of support for our cause on International Solidarity Day on November 28. We were moved and inspired by the hundreds of scribes who marched in front of the Eiffel Tower in France, at the Brandenburg Gate in Germany, and on the streets of Canada, England, Australia, Spain, Portugal, The Netherlands, Wales, and Mexico. Clearly, our fight to win fair compensation from global media corporations has struck a chord with writers everywhere. The scope of the protests was truly impressive: In Berlin, over 100 German writers carried WGA picket signs at the Brandenburg Gate. Hundreds of writers marched in freezing temperatures in Montreal and Toronto. In Amsterdam, an auditorium full of writers cheered our cause. We have heard from the Portuguese Screenwriters Guild, the Writers Guild of Great Britain, the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds, the Writers Guild of Canada, the Screenwriters Guild of Germany, and the Federation of Screenwriters in Europe. Members of the Irish Playwrights and Screenwriters Guild marched for our cause dressed as leprechauns! Jean-Yves Pitoun, a French native and WGA West member, stressed that the fight in the U.S. has an impact abroad: “Europeans are very carefully watching the writers, actors, and directors in the U.S. because Rupert Murdoch is everywhere.” We thank you for reinforcing that fair compensation for writers is a worldwide cause. Together our voices will be heard. Sincerely, Board of Directors Writers Guild of America West Article first published 28.11.2007 |
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