FunkMiller
Gold Member
Doesn't occur to you that maybe there shouldn't be that many people in the union/industry in the first place?
Exactly how many people should be in an industry or union?
Doesn't occur to you that maybe there shouldn't be that many people in the union/industry in the first place?
The CEOs and the literal thousands of people around and above them were convinced that giving the customer what they seemed to want with streaming would lead to higher profits indeed set the paradigm for this. But then, the plebs striking now are the ones who were getting undue pay and opportunities as a result.
That's what I think Iger means when he says that these people aren't being realistic. They don't understand that the last 10 years of television production in particular has been facilitated by billions of dollars of losses and debt money. It's literally right there. Profitability is down, but there's more content being produced at higher production values than ever before. It's not even close. It was never realistically sustainable that way.
Now if we were discussing construction companies that stiffed workers and couldn't build a proper bridge it would be a different conversation from me. Or electricians wiring up a home or office. Or plumbers managing a sewer system. But this thread is about HOLLYWOOD, a pampered luxury item producer, kinda hard to clutch pearls over this....
So what if he does. He negotiated a $27M package. Just as I said many times, negotiate a pay package.And yet, Bob Iger makes 27 million a year.
And you're blaming the creative talent for the screw ups of the executives. Don't you think they should lose out on money, not the ones who aren't responsible for the state of things at all?
And to me, sensible conversations get thrown out the window when 1,000s of workers dont show up to work. Remember not all workers are unionized in a united front. A lot of people not involved in the issue now get affected too.And this exactly the problem. A lot of you have basically decided 'fuck Hollywood and anyone in it, because they don't make stuff I like anymore, or have politics I don't agree with'.
Which, needles to say, when it comes the discussion of fair pay, unionisation, and massive conglomerates, this attitude destroys any ability to have a sensible conversation - because Hollywood actors and writers deserve everything they get, for making all that crap, don't they?
...despite the fact that it's the companies who won't pay the actors and writers a fair amount being the ones responsible for that crap.
The point being, the conversation should be the same for any industry, because the same rules and morality should apply, no matter what the profession of the people concerned is.
The money is out there being hoarded in the 1% bank accounts. It isn't there for the taking.On pure job and pay basis, I'd love to work in the US.
My job in the US pays about 20% more, in US currency too, taxes are lower and I can write off mortgage interest. And the cost of a home is way cheaper than where I live.
US head office has 10x the number of people than my regional office with way more job roles available at better pay.
As I said, the money is out there. And no country has more cash flowing than the US.
So what if he does. He negotiated a $27M package. Just as I said many times, negotiate a pay package.
Cant be that hard. If youre that good, go talk to the boss or HR.Yes, it's almost as if there should be some sort of organisation for employees that has the power to negotiate a pay package with employers who would otherwise give unfair terms on an individual basis.
Thats the point. If the writers and actors don't make stuff I like, WHY would I care about them? If the studios were super popular, every streaming service was flooded with new subs, etc then the writers would have a chance. But that's not the case. Studios are tightening the belt. New technology is coming that will likely make background actors largely superfluous (MORE superfluous, since tech has ALREADY eliminated lots of crowd scenes that used to require real people) and coming up with basic dialogue will need fewer folks since AI is gonna make a first draft. Baaaaaaaaaad time to make your stand IMHO but it's a bold strategy, Cotton, lets see how it works out. As always, the wheat gets sorted from the chaffe.And this exactly the problem. A lot of you have basically decided 'fuck Hollywood and anyone in it, because they don't make stuff I like anymore, or have politics I don't agree with'.
Which, needles to say, when it comes the discussion of fair pay, unionisation, and massive conglomerates, this attitude destroys any ability to have a sensible conversation - because Hollywood actors and writers deserve everything they get, for making all that crap, don't they?
...despite the fact that it's the companies who won't pay the actors and writers a fair amount being the ones responsible for that crap.
The point being, the conversation should be the same for any industry, because the same rules and morality should apply, no matter what the profession of the people concerned is.
The opportunity is a function of the unequal outcomes. The US is stratified across a huge socioeconomic hierarchy that you can attempt to climb with talent, ambition, hard work, or luck. You have more upward mobility in the US than anywhere else in the world, and doing well here beats doing well anywhere else. The lows are also lower for the have-nots.
Cant be that hard. If youre that good, go talk to the boss or HR.
I have. Do you think I like having a closed door meeting trying to hash out a pay bump? Not fun. I won once, I lost once. Who cares. It takes effort to do it, but it can be done. You dont just show up and say "Hey I want more money and job security". You go in prepared with as much ammo you got prove youre worth an extra $10,000.
And when I didnt get what I wanted I didnt complain on social media, not show up to work or stand in a picket line. I just kept doing my job. It would be pretty stupid for me to not show up and screw up the rest of the department who arent involved in my pay talk.
Ya, so if those google articles are right saying a typical union guy gets paid a bit more than a non-union worker, then whats the problem? Sounds like they're getting more than the should they should. Non-union workers arent the ones picketing and whining.you keep falling back to anecdotes despite already admitting that unions have negotiated better pay for their members
Ya, so if those google articles are right saying a typical union guy gets paid a bit more than a non-union worker, then whats the problem? Sounds like they're getting more than the should they should. Non-union workers arent the ones picketing and whining.
Dont get me wrong, I totally understand unions. Its easier to stand behind a united front behind a union rep than to do it yourself. I get it. In turn, you'll likely get pigeon holed in pay tiers and whatever other rules the union says you have to follow because your freedom an individual is gone. And on top of that you pay union dues. But in life, not everyone wants that and would rather forge their own destiny than selfishly shut down companies.
You stand on the backs of those same Unions "forging your own destiny". You wouldn't have the cushy well paying job you have right this moment without unions.Ya, so if those google articles are right saying a typical union guy gets paid a bit more than a non-union worker, then whats the problem? Sounds like they're getting more than the should they should. Non-union workers arent the ones picketing and whining.
Dont get me wrong, I totally understand unions. Its easier to stand behind a united front behind a union rep than to do it yourself. I get it. In turn, you'll likely get pigeon holed in pay tiers and whatever other rules the union says you have to follow because your freedom an individual is gone. And on top of that you pay union dues. But in life, not everyone wants that and would rather forge their own destiny than selfishly shut down companies.
Why not both?? If these actos want to fake being sympathic they could at least suggest getting a pay cut like they'd expect the companies should take.Sorry, but that's idiotic.
87% of SAG AFTRA members (some 140,000 people) don't earn over $26,000 a year, which is the threshold for healthcare insurance. The movie stars aren't the problem here. It's the movie companies.
For Christ's sakes try to at least understand a subject before you comment on it.
Same here. I work in a union environment and there are DEFINTELY folks making less than they are worth because they can't be paid more due to union rules, though far fewer than the undeserving folks that keep their jobs because the union makes it hard to discipline or fire them.Ya, so if those google articles are right saying a typical union guy gets paid a bit more than a non-union worker, then whats the problem? Sounds like they're getting more than the should they should. Non-union workers arent the ones picketing and whining.
Dont get me wrong, I totally understand unions. Its easier to stand behind a united front behind a union rep than to do it yourself. I get it. In turn, you'll likely get pigeon holed in pay tiers and whatever other rules the union says you have to follow because your freedom an individual is gone. And on top of that you pay union dues. But in life, not everyone wants that and would rather forge their own destiny than selfishly shut down companies.
It hasnt been successful. Union membership has dropped like a rock the past 50 years in the US. The reason why is because the costs and quality arent worth it. It's better to actually go through the costs and transfer of production to other countries who can do it as good or cheaper. Now if the workers can show getting paid more locally is a better than outsourcing half way around the world at half price, then you keep your job.there is no problem, it means the union negotiated better pay for them...and it's not just that it's easier, it's that it's proven to be successful
your conjecture about what is "likely" just exposes some misanthropy about how the idiot worker didn't think about the benefits of membership not outweighing your imagined risks
It hasnt been successful. Union membership has dropped like a rock the past 50 years in the US. The reason why is because the costs and quality arent worth it. It's better to actually go through the costs and transfer of production to other countries who can do it as good or cheaper. Now if the workers can show getting paid more locally is a better than outsourcing half way around the world at half price, then you keep your job.
People can earn a living in the US perfectly fine with solid wages. You just got to prove it. If not, you'll get fired or the job will transfer. It comes down to that. And at this time, AI is a threat to media's job security and pay. Well, all they got to do is prove a human brain is more valuable to the company than a bot and you keep your job. If they cant, then AI will take over.
No different than self checkout kiosks. It costs a lot of money to install, pay leases, and absorb shoftlifters not scanning the item. But it sure seems every big box store has a section of self checkouts. Long term its better service, faster, and cheaper. Now if the cashiers were proven to be much better than self checkout scanners, you wouldnt have any stores going through the hassle or cost of implementing the system at stores with head office IT programming.
Why not both?? If these actos want to fake being sympathic they could at least suggest getting a pay cut like they'd expect the companies should take.
I get it. I know union people too. Every person and company wants smooth sailing. And every company that can afford to pay the bills will pay people good money to stick around. No hiring manager or HR person wants people quitting because they are pissed. Its a cost and hassle to rehire, retrain and get them up to speed. And it looks bad on them if their department has turnover issues.Same here. I work in a union environment and there are DEFINTELY folks making less than they are worth because they can't be paid more due to union rules, though far fewer than the undeserving folks that keep their jobs because the union makes it hard to discipline or fire them.
At a large scale though, I think most folks just want security and stability. Most don't want to wake up and know they have to outrun the fastest lion every day or become a meal. Most don't even have the drive to wake up and know they just have to catch the slowest antelope in order to eat. They are more like plants. They just want the sun to rise on time, water to come when it is supposed to, and someone else to do the work of pollenating and harvesting the fruits of their labor. I get it, most folks "work to live" rather than "live to work".
But almost every legit union grievance has been coded into law now. Their relevance is low provided the laws are properly enforced. I prefer trade unions that gatekeep their membership and ensure a level of competency over labor unions that just protect the lazy and hold back the exceptional.
All I'm saying is if you got beefs, go negotiate. Youll get what youre worth. If you get great pay, thats great. If you get zero increase too bad. Money is out there. Just about every person in my department (even most of the SFAs) get paid 6-digits. Plus annual bonus. Even the jr analysts out of school probably start at $60k knowing nothing. None of us are unionized. Good money is out there if youre worth it. And if a company offers shitty comp, then too bad. Means youre replaceable. Brush up some skills and you'll get better offers.you can't come here saying that union workers get paid more than non-union ones and then turn around to say negotiating for more pay hasn't been successful, the evidence is right there in your own post
All I'm saying is if you got beefs, go negotiate. Youll get what youre worth. If you get great pay, thats great. If you get zero increase too bad. Money is out there. Just about every person in my department (even most of the SFAs) get paid 6-digits. Plus annual bonus. Even the jr analysts out of school probably start at $60k knowing nothing. None of us are unionized. Good money is out there if youre worth it. And if a company offers shitty comp, then too bad. Means youre replaceable.
Dont whine or complain or hide behind a union rep screwing up the rest of the company. Just have some initiative and be responsible.
And whats a fair wage? Its obvious you dont agree with the currently agreed upon rate charts and think they should be paid. So what's the request that goes beyond this? Here's some links of rate charts.I find the defence of large conglomerates fascinating. As if you wouldn't be up in arms against them if it affected your livelihood
The problem is not with movie stars being paid a lot, the problem is with movie companies refusing to pay the rest of the non famous actors a fair wage.
And guess what? If they are forced into doing that, then the movie stars will get less.
All I'm saying is if you got beefs, go negotiate. Youll get what youre worth. If you get great pay, thats great. If you get zero increase too bad. Money is out there. Just about every person in my department (even most of the SFAs) get paid 6-digits. Plus annual bonus. Even the jr analysts out of school probably start at $60k knowing nothing. None of us are unionized. Good money is out there if youre worth it. And if a company offers shitty comp, then too bad. Means youre replaceable. Brush up some skills and you'll get better offers.
Dont whine or complain or hide behind a union rep screwing up the rest of the company. Just have some initiative and be responsible.
And whats a fair wage? Its obvious you dont agree with the currently agreed upon rate charts and think they should be paid. So what's the request that goes beyond this? Here's some links of rate charts.
Essential Guide to SAG-AFTRA Rates 2024 | Wrapbook
Hiring actors from SAG? We put together a simple guide to the SAG-AFTRA rates for 2024.www.wrapbook.com
How Much Do WGA Writers Make?
The WGA scale of Minimums represent the LOWEST amount of money a WGA member can receive for writing a script.www.studiobinder.com
Jesus Christ.
The Black Mirror plot about AI that worries actors
As actors strike in Hollywood, unions say they want more protection from artificial intelligence.www.bbc.com
How is that possible when the public can't make laws, can't set prices and can't determine wages lmfao?All problems largely of the public's own making.
Yeah it is. Its by definition that, because again, the actual workforce has no actual say on any of the things they should have a say over. At some point it is no longer agree or decline, at some point it is agree, or watch you and your family slowly starve to death.Nobody in the states is forced to work for anyone or purchase anything by non-criminal enterprise. The people with the money offer wages and propose prices, and people either agree or decline. Wages and prices get adjusted as a result. It's not a pure free market economy by any means, but it's not the central planning you're unwittingly describing.
The same goes for the consumers.
No, the Healthcare industry does require a lot of work, but many forms of essential medicine, such as for diabetic purposes, is artificially inflated at a price to generate a profit. Were talking about medicine products that certain folks require to continue ***living*** and they are made to generate profit by their price being inflated.Actually, no. The healthcare industry is one that requires large amounts of high-level education, training and ultimately labor that literally saves lives. People only think the prices are inflated because they don't put as much financial value into health as they should through perspective.
Most overpricing that is there has to do with onerous regulation and other assorted government interference (much of it cheered on by hypnotized public) that allows for it. Not by accident, either.
Let's go with industry, since I don't think this pair of unions should exist, or would had it not been for literal Soviet interference.Exactly how many people should be in an industry or union?
25 million of which is stock.And yet, Bob Iger makes 27 million a year.
But the creatives are responsible for the state of things. They demanded funding to make projects that were too bloated and expensive to sustain for 10 years, and were happy to take money that barely even existed to do it. To put the cherry on top, most of it was trash.And you're blaming the creative talent for the screw ups of the executives. Don't you think they should lose out on money, not the ones who aren't responsible for the state of things at all?
Let's go with industry, since I don't think this pair of unions should exist, or would had it not been for literal Soviet interference.
If you can't earn a meaningful wage an industry, it could mean the industry is not sufficient to you, but more often, certainly now in the west, it indicates that you are substandard. 26,000 a year is pitiful. If that's all you can muster, go do something else. You're not doing anyone favors by writing irrelevant fluff that no one cares about.
25 million of which is stock.
For all the issues that Disney's having post lockdowns, Iger is returning as CEO after an insanely profitable and prolific run that lasted about 10-15 years. He's one of the main reasons Disney is as dominant and high as they are/were to drop so precipitously. CEO compensation sounds like too much to everyone who doesn't get what it actually means.
Thats nothing. Ronald Dahl predicted AI written books AND how that will be used to usurp and replace human writers, back in like 1954!Brooker doing his Nostradamus act with that one
Thats nothing. Ronald Dahl predicted AI written books AND how that will be used to usurp and replace human writers, back in like 1954!
And, spoilers, the last human author to hold out did starve in the end
Where is this defence you're imagining?I find the defence of large conglomerates fascinating. As if you wouldn't be up in arms against them if it affected your livelihood
The problem is not with movie stars being paid a lot, the problem is with movie companies refusing to pay the rest of the non famous actors a fair wage.
And guess what? If they are forced into doing that, then the movie stars will get less.
Just give it up man. The argument clearly isn't happening in good faith at this point. It's not worth the time being wasted.Yes, it's almost as if there should be some sort of organisation for employees that has the power to negotiate a pay package with employers who would otherwise give unfair terms on an individual basis.
This is NeoGAF, right? Have you considered...playing video games?
Dude you keep saying this, and in an ideal world yeah this would work for ALL industries, but it doesn't, sometimes it doesn't matter how hard you work, if a company can get away with paying you less and not tell you about it, etc, they will, no employer cares about you, they're not your friends, sometimes unions are needed, sometimes strikes are needed. Your view comes across like some old 1950s US propaganda advert "Be a hard working man and you'll rise to the top in no time! Don't join a Union, they're all crooks!".If youre that good, go talk to the boss or HR.
How the hell can a company "not tell you about" your pay?? It's not like there is some master list of pay for every position that they keep secret.Dude you keep saying this, and in an ideal world yeah this would work for ALL industries, but it doesn't, sometimes it doesn't matter how hard you work, if a company can get away with paying you less and not tell you about it, etc, they will, no employer cares about you, they're not your friends, sometimes unions are needed, sometimes strikes are needed. Your view comes across like some old 1950s US propaganda advert "Be a hard working man and you'll rise to the top in no time! Don't join a Union, they're all crooks!".
It's like some people expect employers to be grown adult babysitters giving them everything in the world and more. It's really just an extension of what I say in some threads regarding people bringing their home life problems to work and some reason expect the company (lets say they make furniture for sake of argument) to solve their personal issues for them. If you got money issues and want more pay, that's fine. Chat with the boss and show you did a great job. What company wants good workers to leave for a measly extra couple thousand bucks per year. None. As long as they can afford it, they'll keep you. But if they'd rather let you quit and go through the hassle of rehiring someone else well then you arent worth an extra couple grand.How the hell can a company "not tell you about" your pay?? It's not like there is some master list of pay for every position that they keep secret.
If you toil away, year after year, for the same pay why is it the companies fault you didn't get a raise? There has to be SOME responsibility on the meek employee to take ownership. This is one reason why men make more on average than women, they statistically challenge their pay more, and thus get paid a bit more.
So what you're saying is, the companies are happy to not pay you more unless you speak up about it, either directly or via a union or even threatening strike action.If you toil away, year after year, for the same pay why is it the companies fault you didn't get a raise? There has to be SOME responsibility on the meek employee to take ownership.
So if a company is intentionally underpaying it's workers it's not the fault of the company it's the fault of the workers?How the hell can a company "not tell you about" your pay?? It's not like there is some master list of pay for every position that they keep secret.
If you toil away, year after year, for the same pay why is it the companies fault you didn't get a raise? There has to be SOME responsibility on the meek employee to take ownership. This is one reason why men make more on average than women, they statistically challenge their pay more, and thus get paid a bit more.
In this exact instance, the writers and actors are doing their job, it's just that the contracts are vastly different from TV and Streaming Services, not to mention that companies can simply "erase" shows and movies from streaming services to get around paying residuals. Take a look at Marvel and Star Wars and how oversaturated they've became, they work is being put in (despite if you like it or not) but the content they're making is being used to promote these services where they get LESS money, and then there's the case of AI where top execs want to Black Mirror the industry and only pay people for ONE days work whilst they keep their model and likeness for eternity. Better contracts need to be hashed out, if the people at the top don't want to do this, then striking is the only choice.Hey, if you want more then prove you deserve more. Where's the increased tasks and performance? Never see it in demands. They treat companies like a one-way street of "gimme more while I do the same".
Whats the definition of underpaying?So if a company is intentionally underpaying it's workers it's not the fault of the company it's the fault of the workers?
Am I understanding that right?
What does even mean?So if a company is intentionally underpaying it's workers it's not the fault of the company it's the fault of the workers?
Am I understanding that right?
He's just reading dialogue from Sons of Anarchy, no one takes him seriously.Real tough guy coming from a multimillionaire celeb.
Any when you get threats like that, that's another reason why management hesitates to talk.
I'll take a guess. It goes like this.What does even mean?
Underpaying as in contracting at a specific wage, then just not paying that amount? Or racking up bogus charges to the employee? Outside of some government set pay scales, there is no magic "pay rate" other than contracts at group or individual levels.
And yes, if an employee works for a wage, their job never changes, no automatic pay raises or reviews are built into their contract, and they NEVER ask for a raise or vote with their feet if they don't get one, then yes, this is primarily an EMPLOYEE problem. Why are they staying there?
You know exactly what I mean. Stop playing dumb in order to defend faceless companies and industries. Its so ridiculous to watch in real time. If a company decides that no matter what the regular pay rate for a job is they are going to not only go low, but absolutely dig past it because they know there are people desperate enough or passionate enough to take it that is not on the fucking workers that are so desperate that they take it. That is on the company. If a place is offering $15 an hour for a job that normally pays $30 and there are people that take it because they need the money that is not a slight on the worker. No raises. No hope for advancement. People are just desperate enough to keep food on the table that they take the job because they don't want to be fucking homeless. That is the fault of the company. They are willingly preying on the desperation and need of the masses in order to throw meat into their grinder. To try and lay that on the feet of the poor fucker being exploited and just saying "Hey ya lazy fucker just go get another job!" is showing a level of ignorance that I honestly can't process. It is actually fucking stupid. Unions exist to prevent that kind of predation on the unfortunate and the exploited.What does even mean?
Underpaying as in contracting at a specific wage, then just not paying that amount? Or racking up bogus charges to the employee? Outside of some government set pay scales, there is no magic "pay rate" other than contracts at group or individual levels.
And yes, if an employee works for a wage, their job never changes, no automatic pay raises or reviews are built into their contract, and they NEVER ask for a raise or vote with their feet if they don't get one, then yes, this is primarily an EMPLOYEE problem. Why are they staying there?