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Cape Town – Contrary to what many may believe, the Generations cast are not the first television stars to go on a strike action.
In 1996 the Friends cast made headlines when they threatened to strike if they did not get a raise of $100 000 each per episode. Following negotiations the cast tentatively signed on for a sixth season in exchange for a salary increase.
In 2002 the cast of Friends made TV history when each member signed on for a last season for a pay-rise of $1m each per episode. Recently the actors from the popular comedy The Big Bang Theory followed in their footsteps and refused to sign their contracts delaying production of the eighth season.
The stars of the show, Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco refused to sign their contracts for the upcoming season until bosses agreed to pay them $1m per episode.
After their demands were met the cast returned for filming and signed a three-year contract.
In 2007-2008 the Writers Guild of America strike brought several series production to a standstill. Screenwriters and TV writers part of the guild demanded increases.
The fourteen week strike had dire effects on the television industry and negatively affected some popular shows like Family Guy and 24.
Notable actors and actress who joined the picketing included Tina Fey, Seth Myers, Susan Sarandon, Teri Hatcher, Tom Arnold, Olivia Wilde.
(Sources: LA Times, Deadline)
