Dear Members,
Big Tech companies like Amazon have taken advantage of changes in the industry business model to hollow out the middle class of our profession in pursuit of growing profits. With the rise of streaming, writers are asked to do more work in less time for less money.
We are seeking reasonable protections that will guarantee that writing remains a sustainable career for current and future writers. For Amazon, the cost of our proposals is just $32 million per year, 0.006% of the conglomerate’s annual revenue.
On July 11-12, we will takeover “Prime Day” to shine a light on Amazon’s exploitative business practices.
Here’s how you can get involved:
July 11 & 12: Social Media
Use our graphics and sample content available online, with hashtag #AmazonCrime and #PrimeDay. Share your story about Amazon’s exploitative practices or boost others.
July 12: Amazon Crime Day Special Picket
Amazon Culver Studios
9336 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Program at 11 a.m.
Speakers include WGAW leadership, members, and a striking Amazon delivery driver.
Amazon has gained a sizeable footprint in media in a short time by using the same anticompetitive playbook critical to its rise as a tech company. It is positioning itself to be a new industry gatekeeper, growing through acquisitions and using its power to disadvantage competitors, raise prices for consumers, and to push down wages for writers.
Unfortunately, our situation is not unique. Across the country, Big Tech has invaded nearly every industry, building gig economies where there were once sustainable careers. We are not alone in this fight.
Please help boost Amazon’s crimes on social media on July 11 and 12!
In solidarity,
WGA Negotiating Committee