WONDER WOMAN FRAN DRESCHER
SAG-AFTRA WGA STRIKE
Fran Drescher, the actress known for her iconic role in "The Nanny," has emerged as an unexpected voice of labor in America. As the president of SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors, broadcasters, and recording artists, Drescher has been at the forefront of the fight for fair wages and working conditions in the entertainment industry.
But how did a woman best known for her nasal voice and comedic timing become a champion for workers' rights? It all started with her own experiences in Hollywood.
Drescher began her career as a struggling actress, taking on odd jobs to make ends meet. She worked as a dental assistant and a cosmetics saleswoman before landing her breakthrough role in "The Nanny." Despite her success, Drescher never forgot the struggles she faced as a young actor trying to make it in an industry that often undervalues its workers.
When she was elected president of SAG-AFTRA in 2019, Drescher saw an opportunity to make a difference for her fellow actors and performers. She has been a vocal advocate for fair wages, better working conditions, and stronger protections against harassment and discrimination.
In an interview with Variety, Drescher spoke about the importance of unions in protecting workers' rights. "Unions are the only thing that stands between us and corporate greed," she said. "Without unions, we would have no leverage to negotiate for fair wages and working conditions."
Drescher's leadership has come at a critical time for the entertainment industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. As productions shut down and actors were left without work, Drescher fought to ensure that SAG-AFTRA members were protected. She helped negotiate safety protocols for productions to resume, and pushed for financial relief for actors and performers who were struggling to make ends meet.
But Drescher's advocacy extends beyond the entertainment industry. She has been a vocal supporter of workers' rights more broadly, speaking out in support of the Fight for $15 movement and other efforts to raise the minimum wage.
As labor unrest continues to roll across the country, Drescher's voice has become increasingly important. Union members look to her as a leader who understands the struggles of working people, and who is willing to fight for their rights.
Drescher's journey from struggling actress to labor leader is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. As she continues to fight for fair wages and working conditions, she reminds us that we all have a role to play in creating a more just and equitable society.
So let us all take a page from Fran Drescher's book and speak up for what is right. Whether we are actors, teachers, nurses, or any other type of worker, we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. And with leaders like Fran Drescher at the helm, we can be sure that our voices will be heard.
How Fran Drescher became the voice of labor in America As labor unrest rolls across the country, union members hope the SAG-AFTRA president is exactly what the doctor prescribed. https://news.yahoo.com/fran-drescher-became-voice-labor-171942451.html
SAG-AFTRA, AMPTP Spar Over Terms of Rejected Contract Offer: ‘Deliberately Distorts,’ Says AMPTP; ‘Rewarded for Exploiting Workers,’ Says Union https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/sag-strike-amptp-contract-reject-fight-1235672764/ via @variety
Actors Strike: SAG-AFTRA Reveals Proposals for Studios, Streamers – The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/actors-strike-sag-aftra-proposals-studios-streamers-1235534950/
