Irish Equity is due to support actors and writers in the US on strike in a rally today.
The live performance and theatre union are due to hold a rally at the Wolfe Tone monument at Stephen's Green in Dublin at 2pm today.
They are supporting the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
The union said the issues affecting US actors and writers are “the same issues affecting performers, writers and directors and the entire cultural community in Ireland”.
Irish Equity Sector Organiser Michelle Quinn said actors must be valued for their work.
“We believe that we must ensure that as legitimate stakeholders, that those who work in the industry are fairly valued and share in the success of the industry,” she said.
A day of action for the Union.
Sat 19 August at Wolfe Tone Monument 2pm.
🚨The issues surrounding the industrial action in the US are the same issues affecting performers, writers and directors and the entire cultural community in Ireland.#Royalties #FairContracts
📺🎬⚖️🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/bQ518ySAiM— Irish Equity (@IrishEquity) August 15, 2023
Protestors will assemble at 1.30pm before the protest to express concern over changes in the movie industry including AI and streaming services.
SAG-AFTRA thanked Irish Equity for their support online, saying it supports “members in their fight for a fair contract”.
Strike
The WGA began striking in May 2023 following an ongoing labour dispute with major production companies.
Writers are protesting the lack of revenue they receive from streaming services.
They claim residuals they previously received from re-runs of films and shows on television networks have decreased greatly since the growth of streaming services.
SAG-AFTRA joined the strike in June 2023, putting the majority of film and television productions on hold until a resolution is reached.
Main image: Liberty Hall Theatre in city centre Dublin, where Irish Equity is based. Image: Radharc Images / Alamy Stock Photo.
