Hollywood Cuts 17000 Jobs In August As Strikes Continue

The U.S. government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics released the number in its August employment report.

The writer’s and actor’s strikes are starting to have an impact. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, the film, TV, and music industries shed 17,000 jobs last month. “Within the industry, employment in motion picture and sound recording industries decreased by 17,000, reflecting strike activity. Job losses continued in telecommunications (-4,000),” the Bureau of Labor Statistics wrote.

The Bureau report is one of the first independent, credible sources of information to attach a number to the job impact of the strikes. The WGA went on strike in May, but some film and TV production continued in the following weeks. The SAG-AFTRA strike began in mid-July and has taken a more significant toll on the industry.

The strikes have not only affected the striking workers, but have also caused layoffs at various Hollywood businesses, such as production companies, talent agencies, and businesses dependent on the Hollywood studio system for their income.

On Thursday, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma sent a letter to the studios asking them to return to the negotiating table. “The impact of these two strikes paralyzes Hollywood and reverberates across the state, affecting countless businesses, thousands of pension fund beneficiaries, and millions of Californians,” Ma wrote.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter