Do Other Real Housewives Want to Unionize With Bethenny Frankel?

Call her any number of titles: the most successful cast member at monetizing being on the Real Housewives franchise; a philanthropist whose BStrong initiative has raised millions of dollars to support those affected by natural disaster and civil unrest; a TikToker who relishes in discount beauty reviews and seafood; creator of Skinnygirl (watch out, deli meat connoisseurs and consumers of the since-discontinued Skinnygirl Kids bath and body line); and now—unionizer.

Bethenny Frankel, former star of The Real Housewives of New York and many reality TV spin-offs, recently announced her plan to create a reality TV union. She said she was partly inspired by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and the work of actors and writers to demand protection and compensation for their work and likeness. Frankel is calling attention to an industry often left out of the workers’ rights conversation. One that Frankel feels is taking advantage of its vulnerable participants.

Frankel has since shared a video outlining proposed terms, and suggested that until those terms are met reality TV stars like the Kardashians should stand down from filming and show up to support less successful participants. Frankel suggested that essential workers, including nurses and teachers, could be inspired to create their own models because of her call to action. “Change takes courage,” Frankel posted on her social media, referencing how the call to unionize has potentially affected her business. “I’ve alienated this industry & burned bridges with the entire network and streaming community in one fell swoop. This is not for the faint of heart but it’s for the greater good.”

Read more at The Daily Beast.