Hollywood Teamsters Cast as Union Villains

* Re “Pressure Against Hollywood Strike Grows,” April 17: The Times’ report that the Teamsters Union members will continue working if the Writers Guild of America strikes--a development that brings new pressure on television and film writers to settle their contract dispute with the producers--baffles me, since never in Hollywood history have the Teamsters honored a writers’ picket line, so no one thought they would this time.

Perhaps to further strengthen their anti-strike position, instead of just furnishing studio transportation, the Teamsters will start writing scab scripts. In which case, to come to the rescue and replenish our lost incomes, we writers may step in to fill the temporary Teamster vacancies, completely screwing up the film and television business to a fare-thee-well. But who will be able to tell the difference?

IRVING STANTON ELMAN

Pacific Palisades

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* Leo Reed, head of Teamsters Local 399, says that his union will not honor a strike by the Writers Guild of America. Maybe this statement is the result of his collar being too tight and somehow impairing his ability to think clearly. I could have sworn that I heard about the resurgence of union activism sweeping the nation. Did I miss something? I suppose it’s an old-fashioned idea, but I was taught that you never cross any picket line. It’s not in your best interests, even when it might seem so. One hopes that the rank and file of this local recognize this, even if their white-collar leadership doesn’t. Solidarity forever, eh, Leo? My blue collar is steaming!

ROGER BOWERS

Los Angeles