Title: Universal Pictures Fined for Trimming Trees Providing Shade to Striking WGA Workers
Date: July 22, 2023
Author: Patrick Reilly
Universal Pictures has been hit with a $250 fine for trimming trees that had provided shade to striking Writers Guild of America (WGA) workers in Southern California, according to city officials. The trimming occurred outside of Universal’s Gate 8 without the necessary permits from the city.
Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia revealed on Wednesday that the city did not grant permits for the trimming of the Ficus trees. Subsequently, the studios were issued a $250 citation, which is the maximum fine that can be imposed in this situation.
In a Twitter thread, Mejia stated, “StreetsLA fines all first-time offenders, regardless of the number of trees at issue, a $250 penalty. If violations continue, the fines can grow to $1,000. If trees are found to be significantly damaged, StreetsLA can require the offenders to plant two trees per damaged tree.”
The trees had been providing shade to the WGA workers as they continue their strike amid negotiations with the studio. However, StreetsLA determined that the trees were not significantly damaged and are expected to recover in 6-12 months. Mejia pointed out that the city only has 12 inspectors to investigate abuse and cannot proactively protect the more than 700,000 city trees.
The trimming of the trees during the strike sparked outrage among WGA and SAG-AFTRA workers. The bare trees quickly gained attention online, with a viral post highlighting the incident.
Comedian Chris Stephens sarcastically tweeted, “Quick shoutout to the good people at @UniversalPics for trimming the trees that gave our picket line shade right before a 90+ degree week.”
A spokesperson for NBCUniversal, the parent company of Universal Pictures, acknowledged the unintended challenges caused by the pruning but stated that it was not their intention. The studio explained that the annual pruning was done in partnership with licensed arborists to lighten the tree canopies ahead of the high wind season.
WGA has been on strike since May 2, and they were joined on the picket line by the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA on July 14.
Universal Pictures did not respond to requests for comment on the issue.