Hollywood workers resort to flea markets, bake sales as strikes drag on

By Lisa Richwine

September 21, 20236:11 AM EDTUpdated 8 min ago

[1/2]SAG-AFTRA actors and Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers walk the picket line outside Disney Studios in Burbank, California, U.S., July 25, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights

BURBANK, California, Sept 21 (Reuters) - "Set decorator for 20 years. Single mom of 15-year-old twins," said the sign above a table of cupcakes, cookies and other baked goods for sale. "Struggling to pay bills, especially my mortgage."

A prop master nearby was selling handmade quilts, normally a side gig, to help make ends meet. "I now work two part-time jobs just to barely pay rent and utilities," her sign read.

The signs dotting a parking lot flea market described the hardships of crew members who have been out of work for months, collateral damage from twin strikes that shut down most scripted production across Los Angeles. Hollywood writers walked off the job in May, followed by actors in July.

IATSE, the union that represents lighting technicians, costume designers and others who work on film and TV crews, estimates that even though its members are not on strike, they have lost close to $2 billion in wages after productions shut down. Members have pulled $44 million from their retirement plans to cover current expenses, the union says.

"Members are really starting to feel the pressure," said Dejon Ellis, business manager with IATSE Local 80.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/hollywood-workers-resort-flea-markets-bake-sales-strikes-drag-2023-09-21/

Russia strikes Ukrainian energy facilities in biggest attack in weeks

Summary

Strikes evoke memories of Russian air strikes last winter

Power supply disrupted in five regions - grid operator

At least 18 people wounded, says Kyiv

KYIV, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Russia carried out its biggest missile attack in weeks across Ukraine on Thursday, pounding energy facilities in what officials said appeared to be the first salvo in a new air campaign against the Ukrainian power grid.

Power cuts were reported in five Ukrainian regions in the west, centre and east, reviving memories of multiple air strikes on critical infrastructure last winter that caused sweeping outages for millions of Ukrainians during the bitter cold.

Officials said at least 18 people were wounded in the air strikes, including a 9-year-old girl, and a regional governor said two people were killed in separate overnight Russian shelling.

"Winter is coming.Tonight (Russia) renews missile attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure," lawmaker Andrii Osadchuk wrote on platform X.

Grid operator Ukrenergo said it was the first Russian attack on power infrastructure in six months, and reported damage to facilities in western and central regions.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/blasts-heard-kyiv-other-parts-ukraine-2023-09-21/

WINTER IS COMING

>>19587781

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