Inside the Fox Studios in Century City, crews are shooting the latest episodes of some of television’s biggest shows, including “Modern Family,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “Bones.” Just outside the lot, crew members on breaks are lining up at a mobile health clinic in a converted Winnebago, seeking treatment for both chronic diseases and common ailments.
The Hollywood film and television industry relies heavily on freelancers and independent contractors who are rarely offered health insurance from an employer. Throughout Southern California, producers, writers, actors, editors, camera operators and prop makers move from gig to gig and hold numerous jobs each year. Some get insurance through the industry’s unions – after paying hefty fees and dues and working enough hours on union jobs. Others pay for private policies – or simply go without. Entertainment workers face an additional challenge on top of the constant job turnover and temporary nature of their employment. Crew members often work long hours rigging lights, moving gear and building sets, which can... |
Truck drivers from Green Fleet Systems allege their employer has in recent months retaliated against them for their efforts in seeking to unionize, organizers said.
This is their second strike in less than three months. In late August, truck drivers went on a 24-hour strike that ended with a rally with clergy before returning to work.
The other trucking firms being picketed are Pac 9 Transportation and American Logistics International, both based in Carson.
Alex Cherin, a spokesman for Green Fleet and Pac 9, characterized the strikes as "the desperate acts of a group trying to force their agenda on an industry that time and time again has simply rejected them."
Cherin said the majority of employees and drivers at Green Fleet do not want a union. In a statement, he said the company offers its employees competitive wages and benefits. "Because of this, and because of our demonstrated safety record, the overwhelming majority of our drivers vehemently and passionately have voiced their opposition to the current strike and organization effort."
Union organizers said they plan to picket the three firms for 36 hours.
This is their second strike in less than three months. In late August, truck drivers went on a 24-hour strike that ended with a rally with clergy before returning to work.
The other trucking firms being picketed are Pac 9 Transportation and American Logistics International, both based in Carson.
Alex Cherin, a spokesman for Green Fleet and Pac 9, characterized the strikes as "the desperate acts of a group trying to force their agenda on an industry that time and time again has simply rejected them."
Cherin said the majority of employees and drivers at Green Fleet do not want a union. In a statement, he said the company offers its employees competitive wages and benefits. "Because of this, and because of our demonstrated safety record, the overwhelming majority of our drivers vehemently and passionately have voiced their opposition to the current strike and organization effort."
Union organizers said they plan to picket the three firms for 36 hours.
The dispute between organizers and the firm centers over charges of unfair labor practices. Organizers said truck drivers have been harassed and intimidated by Green Fleet management as...