The Writers Guild of America West is resuming its battle against FremantleMedia North America over its allegedly unfair treatment of "American Idol" writers and other workers.
The guild has scheduled a 3:30 p.m. rally Wednesday at CBS Television City during a live taping of "American Idol."
It noted that Fremantle also produces "Million Dollar Password" for CBS and "America's Got Talent" for NBC.
"While Fremantle profits from 'Idol' and its other shows, its writers, drivers, and other workers who make these shows successful do not," the WGA said. "Many Fremantle workers do not receive benefits that are standard in the entertainment industry including minimum compensation, health insurance and retirement benefits."
FremantleMedia had no comment Tuesday, but its execs have said the allegations, which include denial of overtime pay and meal breaks, are without merit. The execs also have said the WGA's jurisdiction demand is unreasonable because Fremantle doesn't use writers on all shows -- an assertion disputed by the guild.
The WGA staged a five-city "Truth Tour" last summer with protests outside the "Idol" auditions.
The WGA's made organizing the reality and animation sectors a priority in recent years, including seeking guaranteed jurisdiction during most of last year's strike. Guild officials have asserted that they have about half the gameshows signed up but have had limited success in reality shows.
Contact Dave McNary at
dave.mcnary@variety.com