Scabbing Doesn't Pay (For Long)

A picketer at Prospect Studios sent in a disturbing report that some daytime dramas have already hired scabs.

"The scab writers work under fake names, work from home and use different email addresses so only the EP knows the real identities of the scabs. These tend to be experienced soap writers who aren't currently on a show. They are then promised employment after the strike is over. While they're scabbing, they get paid less than union writers. The networks see this as cheaper than shutting down production, as a soap has an enormous amount of cast, and paying out their contracts while they don't work makes this deal seem financially better."

Here's something for scabs to think about: As much as a producer might be upset at a writer for going on strike, consider what he or she must feel about you. At least a striking writer is taking a stand. The producer may disagree with that stand, but ultimately appreciates that the writer believes in it strongly enough to walk out at great personal risk. When the producer looks at you, he or she sees -- and this is a legal term -- a miserable opportunistic leech. Once the strike is settled, do you really think your producer wants you around, Scabby McScab? If nothing else, you're a reminder of The Troubles. You're like a tattoo with a typo obtained during a bachelorette party that took a bad turn after the Bacardi Breezers ran out. You will be removed.

You doubt me, Scabbington? Then let the screenwriters Sam Ernst and Jim Dunn scare you straight with their latest podcast. Right at the twenty-minute mark, they tell the mournful story of a scab from '88. SPOILER: His career and soul get murdered.