Why are Hollywood labor unions considered necessary?Why are Hollywood labor unions considered necessary?
Expert Answer
In an unorganized sector, unions play a crucial role in collective bargaining which determines wages, fringe benfits, retiral benefits and medical coverage . They also help to set up an organized work structure in terms of work place rules, timings, overtime. They have a collective voice of all types of employees behind and in froont of the camera.The below extract clerly tells the story before the unions were formed in Hollywood.
“Prior to that time, employers had complete power to make unilateral
decisions impacting employees. The employers set a competitive
salary of fifteen dollars for a day’s work, but the work was not steady and
the day often exceeded eight hours. The length of the work day was
unlimited, and compensation for overtime was not provided. Provision of
benefits that are now mandated by law, such as overtime, days off, and
pay for rehearsal or travel, had to be specifically contracted for by the
actor. Few actors were in a position to command these terms.”(Wilson, J. (1992). Special Effects of Unions in Hollywood. Loy. LA Ent. LJ, 12, 403.)