WGA leading press conference, lawsuit by major reality show employees

By Jeffrey Jolson

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 3/7/08 — In an unprecedented move, workers from some of TV’s top reality shows, including “American Idol,” “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?,” “Amazing Race,” “Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels” and “American Inventor” are starting a lawsuit to be paid in line with other TV workers, according to the Writers Guild of America.

Reality TV writers and other employees are not generally covered by network series standards and guilds and it’s a long-running complaint that a show as profitable as, say “American Idol”, can pay workers less than other network shows.

 The workers will gather tomorrow at the Van Nuys office of the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) to file claims alleging that the producers of these shows owe them unpaid overtime and penalties that could total over $500,000.

The other twist on the story is that the WGA is involved. The guild has long wanted some jurisdiction over reality shows.

According to the WGA, “Despite the huge profits made by the companies that produce these shows, many of the workers – including writers, production assistants, contestant coordinators, craft services, and office workers – work long hours without receiving overtime compensation or being allowed to take proper breaks.”

According to Harsh Reality, a study released last fall by the Writers Guild of America, West, Reality TV workers report widespread violations of wage and hour law, including failure to pay overtime, provide meal periods, and maintain accurate payroll records. The study also revealed that many of these workers do not receive any form of health care or pension benefits.