Normally, I am a bit sympathetic towards the unions and their right to exist, especially when it comes to the Auto Workers here in Detroit, But this is one of those “WTF?!?!” Stories that burns my butt:
Comedian Jay Leno was hauled in front of his own union’s trial committee Wednesday to address charges that he broke guild rules during last season’s writers strike, a full year after the alleged violations.
The NBC late-night host was a prominent backer of the Writers Guild of America during the 100-day work stoppage, but he alarmed union officials when he announced on the air that he was penning his own monologues while the strike was still in full swing.
Leno contends that he did nothing wrong. He has the highest profile among a handful of writers whose cases are being reviewed by the committee, which will make a recommendation to the board on whether any action should be taken. Possible penalties include a reprimand, a fine and even expulsion from the union.
via Jay Leno hauled before Writers Guild trial committee – Los Angeles Times.
Basically, what burns my butt is this. The man is being punished for doing his own job. This is my rub with the Labor Movement and Unions, it prevents people from doing their own job. To me, that would be like having your own car, and not being able to drive yourself.
On top of this, Jay Leno was one of the few performers out in Hollywood, that supported those bastards and now they’re knifing him in the back. I am quite sure that Leno is really kicking himself for supporting those bastards.
I am for a workers right to organize and all, but this over-unionization of industry, to the point where you cannot even do your own job; is just absolutely ridiculous.