The staff at Lucky 8, the reality production company responsible for titles like Unlocked: Prison Experience, 60 days in and The food that built Americathey unionized with WGA East for collective bargaining.
The union announced Tuesday that an “overwhelming majority” of the bargaining unit had signed union tickets. They are now looking to management at Lucky 8 to voluntarily recognize the union.
“Our decision to form a union should not be viewed as an expression of dissatisfaction, but rather a testament to our shared vision for a brighter future at Lucky 8 and across the live-action film and television genre,” the newly formed union wrote in “ Why We Organize ,” which can be read in full Below.
Lucky 8 joins other non-fiction production companies such as RadicalMedia, McGee Media, Jigsaw, BSTV, A+ E Factual Studios, and Story Syndicate who recently organized with WGA East.
“Together we recognize that regulation is the most effective tool we have to transform this complex industry,” the letter continued.
Lucky 8 is an independent company focused on producing premium reality series and documentaries. Some of this work includes Ozark Law, to catch a smuggler, Jane Goodall: Hope, an Extraordinary Bird with Christian Cooper And more.
“Workers in nonfiction television and film are building power across the industry by fighting for important union protections,” said Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, President of the Writers Guild of America East. “The workers at Lucky 8 have made their voices heard, and now management must respect their choices by recognizing the Lucky 8 union without delay.”
Here's Lucky 8 Union's full “Why We Organize” letter:
We, the dedicated and talented team at Lucky 8, are pleased to announce that after careful consideration and numerous democratic discussions, we have formed a union with the Writers Guild of America East. This decision reflects our collective commitment to fostering a collaborative, fair and respectful work environment.
Our decision to form a union should not be viewed as an expression of dissatisfaction, but rather a testament to our shared vision for a brighter future whether in Lucky 8 or across the reality film and television genre. We stand in solidarity with our fellow creative non-fiction professionals who have bravely organized their own production companies – most recently RadicalMedia, McGee Media, Jigsaw, BSTV, and Story Syndicate. Together, we recognize that regulation is the most effective tool we have to transform this complex industry.
We know that by uniting together, we can best achieve the following goals:
Collective Bargaining: We aim to create a platform for negotiating fair terms of employment, including fair compensation, reasonable hours, and comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, and parental leave.
Job Security: The “permanent freelance” nature of this industry makes job stability a major concern. We look forward to working collaboratively to codify protections against unexpected layoffs, dark weeks, and furloughs.
Transparent Communication and Fair Treatment: Effective communication is the lifeblood of any strong organization. By forming a union, we aim to create pathways for open and honest dialogue with management, allowing us to constructively address concerns and cultivate a more inclusive and fair workplace culture.
Professional Growth: We believe that WGAE can help us access professional development opportunities that will aid in career growth, enhancing our ability to contribute to the success of the company and enhancing our competitiveness in the industry.
We see our decision to unionize as a positive step toward strengthening our existing relationship with members of management in collaborative and mutually beneficial ways. It is also an opportunity for us to work together more effectively, ensuring a prosperous future for our team and Lucky 8 as a whole. We believe strongly in the messages at the heart of the stories we tell — triumphs in the face of adversity and oppression — and we want Lucky 8 to be a place that allows us to thrive, so we can maximize the impact of this important work. .
Our commitment to creating a union that promotes transparency, respect and justice is unwavering. We look forward to working together to create a more vibrant and inclusive workplace.
