Controversy Surrounds NBCUniversal’s Tree Trimming Amid Labor Disputes
Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia is investigating the tree trimming that took place outside of Universal Studios, following complaints from workers, writers, and actors who are exercising their right to picket. Mejia posted “before” and “after” photos of a row of Ficus trees on Barham Blvd., a boundary of NBCUniversal’s lot, on social media.
The investigation comes after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board. The unions allege that NBCUniversal engaged in illegal conduct by having picketers march along blocks of Lankershim Blvd., with the studio’s ongoing campus construction work improperly obstructing the sidewalk. The filings also claim that the studio ignored an advisory from the Los Angeles Police Department to establish concrete barriers for pedestrian safety.
In response to the complaints, Mejia stated that his department will be investigating the tree trimming incident outside Universal Studios. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA have expressed concern over the suspiciously timed construction work, which has forced picketers into streets without proper safety rails. They also noted that the tree trimming, which occurred during a record heatwave, has eliminated shade, further compromising the safety of the workers.
NBCUniversal has responded by stating that they support the rights of the unions to demonstrate and are working to provide some shade coverage. They explained that the tree trimming was done annually at this time of year to ensure the canopies are light ahead of the high wind season. The studio expressed that providing shade for the picketers is a priority and that they are in communication with the labor leaders on-site.
It is worth noting that tree-trimming along public sidewalks is usually handled by the Los Angeles Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Street Services (BSS). Upon investigation, Councilwoman Nithya Raman, who oversees the Barham Blvd. sidewalk, discovered that no permit was issued for any tree trimming at the site. The BSS’ Urban Forestry Division has issued a compliance notice to NBCUniversal and is considering further enforcement actions.
This controversy surrounding NBCUniversal’s tree trimming adds to the ongoing labor disputes between the studio and the WGA and SAG-AFTRA. Both unions are determined to rectify the alleged violations of their members’ rights and will continue to work through the Labor Board and other means to find a resolution.
Updated: July 19, 12:25 am PST
Councilwoman Raman and comments from the Bureau of Street Services added.