10 Historic Labor Disputes In Hollywood That Shaped the Entertainment Industry

Sep 14, 2023

By: Sahib Preet Singh

Biggest Hollywood Strikes in History

Strikes and labor disputes have played a significant role in shaping the entertainment industry. These strikes have been pivotal moments where writers, actors, directors, and other industry professionals have banded together to advocate for their rights, fair ...

1. The Disney Strike, (5 Weeks), 1941

In 1941, the Disney Strike emerged as a significant challenge at the Mouse Factory, where Disney artists, once loyal to Walt's leadership, became sympathetic to calls for unity. The strike, commencing on May 29, 1941, stemmed from disputes over long-await...

2. East and West Coast Writers Guild (14 weeks), 1952

In 1952, a strike unfolded over 14 weeks, challenging the very notion of residuals in the entertainment industry. The Screen Writers Guild, which would later evolve into the dual entities of the East and West Coast Writers Guild of America in 1954, joined forc...

3. Screen Actors Guild Strike (50 Days), 1960

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strike of 1960 lasted for 50 days and resulted in a landmark agreement. Actors were demanding improved residuals and pension benefits. This strike led to significant changes in the industry as it established a precedent for fair c...

4. Directors Guild of America Strike (23 Days), 1981

In 1981, the Directors Guild of America (DGA) went on strike for 23 days, demanding a share of profits from foreign and cable television sales. The strike aimed to ensure that directors received a fair portion of the revenue generated by their work in internat...

6. Screen Actors Guild Commercial Strike (6 Months), 2000

5. Writers Guild of America Strike (3 Years and 20 Days), 1985-1988

7. Screen Actors Guild Strike Authorization (100 Days), 2007-2008

One of the longest strikes in Hollywood history, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike of 1985-1988 lasted for 3 years and 20 days. The strike was centered around the issue of compensation for TV reruns. Writers demanded a fair share of the profits generat...

8. Writers Guild of America West, Video Game Strike (111 Days), 2011

The year 2000 witnessed a significant labor dispute in Hollywood as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) initiated a commercial strike that endured for an extensive six months, spanning from May 1 to November 7. The core issues driving this strike were centered on th...

9. Video Game Voice Actors Strike (340 Days), 2016-2017

While a strike was averted in this case, actors voted to authorize a strike in protest of compensation issues. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) sought fair compensation for its members in an industry rapidly changing due to digital distribution. The strike author...

10. New Normal (May – present), 2023

In 2011, the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) embarked on a significant strike that lasted for 111 days. The primary objective of this labor action was to advocate for enhanced compensation and improved working conditions for writers employed within the bu...