Universal Studios in Los Angeles responds to writers and actors, claiming that they trimmed tree branches outside its studios to deprive the workers of shade during a local heat wave.
According to a report from the Guardian, the workers accused Universal of purposefully cutting the trees to hinder their protest in the heat. Additionally, they alleged that the company refused to establish safe pathways around construction work in another area of the studio.
“Picketers [are forced] to patrol in busy streets with significant car traffic where two picketers have already been struck by a car,” the union said.
However, in its statement, Universal asserted that the company routinely trims the trees outside the studio every year, and it was not done to intentionally deprive demonstrators of shade. Furthermore, the company mentioned that it would take steps to ensure shade is provided to the demonstrators going forward.
“In partnership with licensed arborists, we have pruned these trees annually at this time of year… We support the WGA and Sag’s right to demonstrate, and are working to provide some shade coverage,” the company said.
NBC Universal also stated, “We understand that the safety tree trimming of the ficus trees we did on Barham Blvd has created unintended challenges for demonstrators, that was not our intention.”
In addition, Universal denied any violations of the National Labor Relations Act and expressed its willingness to cooperate fully with any investigation related to the matter.
“We strongly believe that the company has fulfilled our legal obligations under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and we will cooperate with respect to any inquiries by the National Labor Relations Board on this issue,” Universal added.
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