Topline
A majority of Americans—regardless of political affiliation—support the ongoing strikes by Hollywood actors and writers, according to a poll published Friday, as support for the strikes continue amid failed contract negotiations with major studios.
A majority of Americans—regardless of political affiliation—support the ongoing strikes by Hollywood … [+] actors and writers. 2023 Invision
Key Facts
An estimated 67% of Americans support strikes by the Writers Guild of America and the Hollywood actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, according to a poll conducted by the progressive polling firm Data For Progress, while 18% are in opposition. The poll—conducted online between August 3 and 5 with 1,124 respondents—also indicated an estimated 59% of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of major Hollywood studios after learning they rejected demands by both unions, an increase over the 31% who expressed favorable opinions before learning about the strikes. An overwhelming majority of Americans agree with demands by the unions, according to the poll, including 87% who agree actors and writers should be appropriately compensated for work done for streaming platforms and 85% who say actors should have the right to their own image, voice and likeness, and be compensated when they are replaced by artificial intelligence. The survey also indicated 74% agree Hollywood studios should be prohibited from replacing human writers with various AI tools. An estimated 86% would continue to support the strikes if their favorite shows or movies were delayed, while 10% said they would oppose them. A poll conducted for the Los Angeles Times by the Canadian polling firm Leger last month indicated 38% of Americans who are aware of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike—an estimated 72% of consumers—are more sympathetic to actors and writers, while 7% are more sympathetic to the studios.
Surprising Fact
Support for unions in the U.S. reached its highest approval rating last year since 1965, according to a Gallup poll. An estimated 71% of Americans support labor unions, an increase over the 68% rating the previous year. Support for unions has increased over the last decade, after support fell under 50% for the first time in 2009.
Key Background
Strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA were initiated earlier this year, following failed contract negotiations with Hollywood studios after requests for increased compensation, better residuals, staffing requirements and protections from AI job interference, among other demands. A strike by the WGA reached the 100-day mark earlier this month, five days after WGA representatives failed to reach a deal with studios. The AMPTP—which represents studios Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery, Amazon and Netflix—said previously it was committed to reaching a deal after suggesting its goal was “getting people back to work.” The strikes have caused television shows and movies to be paused, as a failure to reach an agreement has cost California’s economy an estimated $3 billion, according to Todd Holmes, a professor at California State University, Northridge.
Further Reading
Hollywood Writers’ Strike: Here’s A Timeline Of What Led To The 100-Day Mark (Forbes)
‘Severance’ Halts Production: Here’s How The Hollywood Writers’ Strike Might Impact Your Favorite Show (Forbes)
Poll: More Americans Support Striking Actors And Writers Than Studios (Los Angeles Times)