Leftfield Entertainment, the company behind the popular reality television series "Pawn Stars" has been plagued with complaints. The Writers Guild of America, East members set up a picket line outside of its office in Los Angeles.
The guild is protesting the contract negotiations which they have agreed before. Guild officials said that Leftfield Entertainment has failed to sign the union contract after a year of bargaining. The company, according to the officials, ran a nonunion campaign but the writers and producers voted to form a union with the guild.
Guild members have become impatient of the conclusion of the bargaining. Ample time has lapsed and the members still do not receive the necessary wage adjustments.
The guild organized about 50 protesters outside the Sherman Oaks offices of ITV Studios as reported by LA Times.Their main protests are the long hours and low pay. Leftfield Entertainment has been paying below minimum rates. However, the company in question is blaming the A&E, AMC and Fox channels that air their shows.
ITV Studios which owns Leftfield Entertainment declared that the guild continues to sow lies and mischaracterizations of the facts despite them negotiating in good faith. It has described the picketing as a "transparent, propaganda-driven stunt." The British company also said they are paying above minimum salaries and also provides healthcare, paid days off, retirement benefits and reasonable working hours.
The Writers Guild of America has unionized a number of reality shows recently. Its biggest fight so far was for "America's Next Top Model." The writers declared that the show producers did not approve their request to join the Writers Guild of America, West.
WGA, East Executive Director Lowell Peterson said that Leftfield entertainment has produced profitable shows and the guild has the right to sign contracts that will enable them to have secured careers on television.
"Pawn Stars" continues to air despite the internal problems between the writers and the show producers. The Richard Harrison family show is still one of the well-loved reality shows on television.
Despite the legal battle of one of its main cast, the show continues to hold on to its top spot. Fans continue to support the show. Undeniably, "Pawn Stars" remains unequaled in the reality show genre.
