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CONGRESSWOMAN JACKIE SPEIER SUPPORTS “REALITY” TV WORKERS’ UNION ORGANIZING EFFORTS

July 17, 2008—New York, NY Sindy Gordon

Congresswoman Jackie Speier has entered the attached statement into the Congressional Record in support of the union organizing efforts of “reality” TV workers.
 
This statement comes hours after Wednesday’s launch of the American Idol Truth Tour, co-sponsored by the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
 
Congresswoman Speier represents San Francisco and San Mateo Counties in California, including Daly City. The American Idol Truth Tour’s first stop will be, Thursday, July 17, at the Cow Palace in Daly City. American Idol is produced by FremantleMedia, North America.
 
In a separate letter to WGAW President Patric M. Verrone, Congresswoman Speier stated:
 
“The right to freely bargain in good faith with your employer is as American a right as we possess. To suggest that the content creators and other employees of America’s most popular and profitable show should not be afforded that right is ludicrous.”
 
Referring to her statement in the Congressional Record, Speier wrote: “While it, alone, will not bring relief to the underpaid and disrespected employees of FremantleMedia North America, I hope it represents one pebble in an avalanche of support for your very worthy cause.”
 
For more information on the American Idol Truth Tour, please visit: www.truthaboutfremantle.com