Is someone that is forced back to work a scab?

[SemiCharmedQuark]

I've never been given the opportunity to be in a union. My understanding was always that a scab was someone that willingly crossed the picket line, undermining the efforts of unions. Thus, I can understand and support not watching the Colbert or Daily shows, and I can understand and support not appearing as a guest on either show. But I cannot understand the venom aimed at the two men as individuals. The WGA has said that the two were forced back to work and that their (the WGA's) beef was not with Colbert or Stewart, but with Viacom.

So my question is, is someone that is *forced* back to work a scab?

http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Wga-Strike-Watch/Stewart-Colbert-Return/800029732?start=15

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22528619/

[Sadie4629]

1. Forced, how?

Were they non-union?

[SemiCharmedQuark]

2. That's a great question.

The whole situation is pretty murky. But in the link provided, the WGA refers to Stewart and Colbert as being "forced" back. Perhaps it's in their contracts :shrug:

[lonestarnot]

3. Yes without a doubt.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

4. Are Colbert and Stewart members of the WGA?

As for returning without their writers, I don't know. Everyone in TV and Hollywood is in the same bind. No stars in this century are stars on their own volition, as it was back in, say, Vaudeville. Nowadays 1 star is many people.

I think it's important that the WGA return to work. When will they return?

I'm a totally pro-union person, but you know, I see the WGA as far less important a union as, say, the teacher's union, the kitchen worker's union, the nurses' union, etc. Jokes are nice, but teaching, caring for the ill and food are far more important. I know, I know, I'm going to get yelled at. It's just my opinion.

[annabanana]

5. see. . .the thing about unions is that

if you do not hang together, you will surely hang seperately. .

If you are a "union person" it doesn't matter if that worker makes muffins, writes scripts or saves lives...

[Sarah Ibarruri]

6. I know. If they don't stick together, they will end up with 0 power

I'm hoping most of the U.S. organizes, to be perfectly honest. I'm also hoping they (the next pres) rescinds or modifies NAFTA somehow.

[Rebellious Republican]

8. Well said Sarah Ibarruri. N/T

:kick:

[fenriswolf]

7. unless someone holds a gun to your head

I do not think that you are being "forced" to do anything. If you fear losing your job but your on strike find work elsewhere. if you cross you will be a scab.

[high density]

9. Stewart said on the first night back...

That he had tried to get a deal with the writers, like Letterman's World Wide Pants, except that the WGA didn't want to deal with just Comedy Central. It sounds like the WGA wanted a deal for Viacom in its entirely. And to be honest the WGA's rejection of Stewart's negotiations makes me lose most of the sympathy I had for the WGA.