Last week's Writers Guild of America endorsement of film and TV composers' attempts to union ize through the Teamsters was a big boost for the musicians. It not only adds the backing of some heavyweight Hollywood names, but it also comes with a good deal of historical precedent.
Nearly 20 years ago, the WGA supported the fledgling Society of Composers & Lyricists in its at tempts to re-establish a union for those who pen scores and songs for movies and TV. A previous entity, the Composers and Lyricists Guild of America, disbanded in 1982 after a long series of battles with the studios and networks over how music writers were treated.
The CLGA, launched in 1954, successfully negotiated with producers throughout the 1960s, setting minimum wages, guaranteeing screen credits and establishing health and welfare benefits for members.
Nearly 20 years ago, the WGA supported the fledgling Society of Composers & Lyricists in its at tempts to re-establish a union for those who pen scores and songs for movies and TV. A previous entity, the Composers and Lyricists Guild of America, disbanded in 1982 after a long series of battles with the studios and networks over how music writers were treated.
The CLGA, launched in 1954, successfully negotiated with producers throughout the 1960s, setting minimum wages, guaranteeing screen credits and establishing health and welfare benefits for members.
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