Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed his concerns about the ongoing writer’s strike in Hollywood during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” The strike by the Writers Guild of America has been causing disruptions and impacting production schedules for the past three months. In addition, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently voted unanimously to recommend a strike, further intensifying the situation.
Iger described the timing of the strike as “very disturbing” due to the industry already facing various challenges, including the ongoing recovery from the COVID pandemic. He acknowledged the desire of labor organizations to secure fair compensation for their members based on the value they bring to the industry. Iger mentioned the successful negotiation with the directors’ guild and expressed the hope of achieving similar agreements with writers and actors. However, he emphasized the importance of being realistic about the business environment and the limitations of what the industry can deliver.
While recognizing the unions’ right to seek the best compensation for their members, Iger cautioned that the strike would have a damaging effect on the entire business. He highlighted the collateral damage it would cause to supporting services and the economy of different regions. Iger concluded by expressing his disappointment, stating that the strike is a shame and has far-reaching consequences.