Ex-Disney chief says Writers Guild strike is over

[annabanana]

Source: NY Newsday

The former chief of Disney, Michael Eisner, declared Thursday night that the writers' strike was "over" and that a deal had been reached last weekend.

During a CNBC interview, Eisner -- who now runs his own investment company and hosts an occasional talk show on the network -- told "Fast Company" anchor Dylan Rattigan: "They made the deal, they shook hands on the deal. It's going on Saturday to the writers in general" for agreement.

Eisner was apparently referring to scheduled meetings here and in Los Angeles between writers and the Writers Guild scheduled for tomorrow. He added, "A deal has been made. They'll be back to work very soon. I know it's over."

~snip~

However, a WGA representative said, "The strike is NOT over -- as you know, we are under a press blackout, but I can tell you that the strike is NOT over."


Read more: http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/ny-etstrike0208,0,5180930.story

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So far there has been no confirmation from any writers. Eisner is only speaking for one side of the equation.. HOWEVER, I would be delighted to hear if the producers & studios did the right thing.

[Zhade]

1. He's making shit up.

IT IS NOT OVER.

Eisner's a lying fucking asshole.

[onehandle]

2. Jon Stewart made a non-specific remark the other day that the strike may end soon.

Maybe this all means progress at least?

I hope so.

[Pab Sungenis]

3. They're probably both right.

There's been rumblings of a proposed settlement, which would mean what Eisner said is basically true. However, until the pact is approved by both sides, the strike stays in force, so it is not yet over.

Ah, semantics.

[grahamhgreen]

4. AN OBVIOUS LIE. IT CANNOT BE OVER UNTIL THE WRITERS VOTE ON IT. DUH.

[villager]

5. Writers are meeting this weekend -- East coast today, West coast tomorrow...

None is being told they'll be voting on a new contract...

Yet the word is still the broad strokes of a deal have been hammered out....

[ReformedChris]

6. This from the guy that re-built the Disney empire with barely above mininum wage labor...

So I don't think he has any credibility when it comes to labor issues. I hope the writers truly get their proper due at the end of the day and its a damn shame it took a strike to try to fix the problem with the big studios raking in the money.