Workers at Lucky 8, the nonfiction production company responsible for titles such as Unlocked: A Jail Experiment, 60 Days In and The Food That Built America, have unionized with WGA East for collective bargaining.
An “overwhelming majority” of the bargaining unit has signed union cards, the guild announced Tuesday. They now are looking to management at Lucky 8 to voluntarily recognize the union.
Our decision to form a union should not be seen as an expression of dissatisfaction, but a testament to our shared vision for a brighter future both at Lucky 8 and across the genre of nonfiction film and television,” the newly formed union wrote in its “Why We’re Organizing” letter, which can be read in full below.
Lucky 8 joins other nonfiction production companies like RadicalMedia, McGee Media, Jigsaw, BSTV, A+ E Factual Studios and Story Syndicate that have recently organized with the WGA East.
“Together, we understand that organizing is the most effective tool we have for transforming this complex industry,” the letter continued.
Lucky 8 is an independent company with a focus on producing nonfiction series and feature documentaries. Some of that work includes Ozark Law, To Catch a Smuggler, Jane Goodall: The Hope, Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper and more.
“Nonfiction television and film workers are building power industrywide by fighting for critical union protections,” said Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, President of the Writers Guild of America East. “Workers at Lucky 8 have made their voices heard, now it is incumbent on management to respect their choices by recognizing the Lucky 8 Union without delay.”
Here’s Lucky 8 Union’s full “Why We’re Organizing” letter:
We, the dedicated and talented team at Lucky 8, are thrilled 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, equitable, and respectful work environment.
Our decision to form a union should not be seen as an expression of dissatisfaction, but a testament to our shared vision for a brighter future both at Lucky 8 and across the genre of nonfiction film and television. We stand in solidarity with our fellow nonfiction creative professionals who have bravely organized their production companies – most recently RadicalMedia, McGee Media, Jigsaw, BSTV, and Story Syndicate. Together, we understand that organizing is the most effective tool we have for transforming this complex industry.
We know that by joining together as a union, we can best achieve the following objectives:
Collective Bargaining: We aim to establish a platform for negotiating equitable employment terms, including fair compensation, reasonable working hours, and comprehensive benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and parental leave.
Job Security: The “permanent freelance” nature of this industry makes job stability a top concern. We look forward to working collaboratively to codify protections against unexpected layoffs, dark weeks, and furloughs.
Transparent Communication & 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 address concerns constructively and cultivate a more inclusive and fair workplace culture.
Professional Growth: We believe that WGAE can help us access opportunities for professional development that will aid in career growth, further enhancing our ability to contribute to the company’s success and reinforcing our competitive edge in the industry.
We see our decision to unionize as an affirmative step toward strengthening our existing relationship with members of management in cooperative 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 strongly believe in the messages at the heart of the stories we tell – of triumphs in the face of adversity and oppression – and we want Lucky 8 to be a place that allows us to flourish, so we can maximize the impact of this important work.
Our commitment to creating a union that nurtures transparency, respect, and fairness is unwavering. We look forward to working together to create a more vibrant and inclusive workplace.
