Writers guild says reality TV workers to file claims for back pay

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/04/07/state/n165205D20.DTL&hw=union&sn=129&sc=183

Monday, April 7, 2008

(04-07) 16:52 PDT Los Angeles, CA (AP) --

The union for Hollywood writers says workers from several reality TV shows will file labor claims alleging that show producers could owe them more than $500,000 in back pay.

The Writers Guild of America, West said Monday that workers, including writers, production assistants, contestant coordinators, craft service and office workers, will file papers Tuesday with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.

Guild spokesman Gregg Mitchell says about 20 workers claim they have worked long hours without receiving overtime compensation or proper breaks.

Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers spokesman Jesse Hiestand had no immediate comment.