In its first demonstration of 2009, the Writers Guild of America West drew 200 supporters Wednesday to CBS Television City to protest allegedly unfair treatment of "American Idol" writers and other employees.
The event was organized to coincide with the first live broadcast of "American Idol" this season, and targeted producer FremantleMedia, which also produces "Million Dollar Password" for CBS and "America's Got Talent" for NBC.
"Fremantle is lowering standards for workers all across the entertainment industry," said David N. Weiss, VP of the WGA West. " 'American Idol' is the top-rated show on television, and the fact that Fremantle does not compensate its writers and other workers fairly is unacceptable."
FremantleMedia had no comment Wednesday, but its execs in the past have said the allegations, which include denial of overtime pay and meal breaks, are without merit. The execs also have said the WGA's demand for jurisdiction is bogus because Fremantle doesn't use writers on the shows -- an assertion disputed by the guild.
The WGA staged hundreds of protests during its 100-day strike last year, then organized a five-city "Truth Tour" last summer with protests outside the "Idol" auditions.
Other groups attending Wednesday's protest included Teamsters Local 399, Professional Musicians Local 47 and Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice.
Contact Dave McNary at
dave.mcnary@variety.com