LA Examiner

Tag: strike

  • Los Angeles Film and TV Production Sees Gradual Recovery Post-Strike

    Los Angeles Film and TV Production Sees Gradual Recovery Post-Strike

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Los Angeles has long been recognized as the heart of the film and TV industry. However, recent data from FilmLA reveals that the industry is still grappling with the aftermath of last year’s strikes, despite a noticeable uptick in production activities. In the first quarter of 2024, total location shoot days rose to 6,823, marking a 23% increase from the fourth quarter of 2023. Nonetheless, these figures remain 20% below the five-year average for the same period and have not yet returned to the levels observed prior to the strike.

    The decline in production began even before the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA initiated strikes last summer, which significantly halted most scripted production across the nation. The end of the strikes, about five months ago, did not instantly revive production rates. “There was a really delayed return to production,” stated Philip Sokoloski, a spokesman for FilmLA. “We knew it could take six to eight weeks for TV, and for feature films, it might be a little longer.”

    FilmLA, responsible for issuing permits for location shoots in the Los Angeles area, provides data that, while not encompassing soundstage productions, serves as a reliable indicator of overall production trends. The agency’s recent reports cover a wide range of production types, including commercials, reality TV, scripted shows, feature films, documentaries, and music videos. Notably, while film and scripted TV are on a rebound, reality TV, which wasn’t directly affected by the strike, has seen a decline in the first quarter of 2024.

    Sokoloski highlighted that the strike is only one of several factors contributing to the general downturn in production. “We know there’s a scale-back,” he remarked. “The streaming bubble has popped. Fewer episodes are being ordered of the shows that are in production, and a lot of shows have been canceled.” Additionally, there has been a noticeable shift in commercial production, with many projects relocating to other parts of the country or even overseas, reflecting broader industry trends and economic considerations.

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    This shift in the industry is also influenced by the changing landscape of media consumption. The rise of streaming services had initially led to an explosion of content production, but the market has become increasingly saturated. With streaming platforms reevaluating their strategies and cutting back on the number of new productions, the overall demand for production has softened.

    Moreover, the industry is still adjusting to new norms post-pandemic, which include more stringent safety protocols and possibly increased costs of production. These factors collectively contribute to the slower recovery rate.

    Looking ahead, the industry’s path to full recovery remains uncertain. Stakeholders are cautiously optimistic, hoping for a stabilization that will enable a return to pre-strike levels of activity. However, the industry must navigate the complex interplay of economic pressures, shifting consumer preferences, and the residual impacts of the strikes.

    As Los Angeles strives to reclaim its prominence in the film and TV production landscape, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the industry can adapt to these new challenges and return to its former glory.

  • Kaiser Healthcare Professionals Commence a Three-Day Strike

    Kaiser Healthcare Professionals Commence a Three-Day Strike

    Image credit: Unsplash

    In a historic move, Kaiser Permanente healthcare professionals in Southern California initiated a three-day strike following the failure to produce an agreement amid contract negotiations. Notably the largest in United States history, the strike started at 3 a.m. on the East Coast, with strikers throughout Southern California joining at 6 a.m. The strike is led by the union representing nationwide Kaiser employees. 

    Before the strike, a Kaiser spokesman provided insight into the ongoing talks, with Kaiser claiming several agreements with the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente unions had been reached regarding specific provisions. After declaring a commitment to around-the-clock attention toward achieving a fair deal, Kaiser’s newer statements about negotiations claim the coalition union representatives and Kaiser Permanente management are still at the bargaining table. According to a report from Kaiser’s Senior Media Relations Specialist Terry Kankari, the two entities have worked tirelessly to reach an agreement that offers robust employee benefits. 

    Just days before the strike, Kaiser officials expressed that a strike was neither inevitable nor justified. They laid out their goal to reach an agreement that ultimately strengthens Kaiser Permanente as a quality workplace with reliably efficient, affordable, and accessible care for members. Despite these statements, the union remained prepared to take action after failed contract talks and maintained picketing plans, which commenced Wednesday at several Kaiser locations statewide.

    Unionized Workforce’s Grievances

    Throughout California and several states, 75,000 Kaiser Workers are expected to band together and make their voice heard, expressing that Kaiser Executives are refusing to listen to the needs of employees suffering from Kaiser’s short-staffing crisis. Employees suggest Kaiser Executives are bargaining in bad faith and failing to deliver substantial solutions. Kaiser employees have been disheartened by the burnout of single-handedly taking on the roles of several people. At the same time, their patients suffer and become frustrated when healthcare professionals have to rush them and hurry to the next patient. Desiring to give patients the attention and care they need, Kaiser employees are demanding the short-staffing crisis be adequately addressed.

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    The picketing locations are set to expand all across California, with the union reporting that additional pickets will be set up at Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and Orange County Kaiser facilities. Within the United States, the union coalition reports additional picketing will occur in Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Kaiser facilities. The strike consists of numerous workers across various practices in the healthcare field, including licensed vocational nurses, respiratory therapists, X-ray technicians, behavioral health workers, surgical, radiology, pharmacy technicians, medical assistants, emergency department technicians, ultrasound sonographers, teleservice representatives, and many more. 

    Accusations Against Kaiser Permanente

    Along with inefficient efforts to maintain necessary staffing levels, Kaiser Permanente has been accused of cutting employees’ performance bonuses, failing to protect against subcontractors, and not offering wages that reflect inflation. Kaiser denied allegations of slashing performance bonuses and raising members’ premiums while also claiming to provide wage increases across the board. As the historic strike unfolds, it brings to the forefront the challenges in reaching a consensus between healthcare providers and the workforce advocating for better working conditions and patient care.