'World Won't Survive Without Us': Influencers Threaten to Start a Union and to 'Stop Posting' Until They're Taken Seriously

A group of Australian social-media influencers has threatened to down tools or rather, ring lights until they are taken seriously. During a creator event at the AIIMS Creator Hub in Sydney on Wednesday night, TikTok comedian Veronica B talked about 100 fellow content creators that she is forming an Australian Influencer Union and will stop posting until society recognizes the value of their work. The 25‑year‑old, who has 578,500 followers and is known for her skits about Middle Eastern stereotypes, insisted the world 'wouldn't survive' without influencers.

In her impassioned speech, Veronica B said she was 'sick and tired of us influencers being treated like we're a joke' and demanded 'more rights' for creators. She argued that the job is 'hard work' and deserves respect, drawing cheers from the largely young audience. The creator claimed influencers provide essential services, such as restaurant reviews, beauty tutorials and fashion haul videos, and that the public would be at a loss without them.

What happened

Veronica B spoke at a creator‑industry gathering at Sydney's AIIMS Creator Hub, describing her plan to create a union and threatening a posting strike. She argued that editing, filming and constantly staying relevant require significant effort and that influencers 'don't know how the world would survive' without their content. After announcing the union idea, she received enthusiastic support from attendees and many later endorsed her on social media.

When did events unfold

The confrontation occurred on Wednesday night, 30 July 2025, local time during the AIIMS Creator Hub event. It followed criticism of Veronica B last December, when she told reporters at the Sydney TikTok Awards that influencing was 'hard work'. That clip went viral, leading to backlash and online ridicule.

Who is involved

Veronica B, whose full name is Veronica Beshara, spearheaded the call. She has become known for comedic videos that poke fun at cultural stereotypes. Supporting her were other Australian influencers, including Dani Russell, a TikTok creator with 700,000 followers who posted a video asking whether being a mother or a content creator is harder. Sydney‑based influencer Jasmin Mitwali also backed Veronica's call, saying influencers 'work even harder than doctors and teachers' because they must constantly produce content and remain relevant.

Why are influencers threatening to unionize

The creators argue that society views their profession as frivolous and fails to acknowledge the labor involved. Veronica B said influencers deserve more rights and a formalized support structure to address issues such as pay, respect and working conditions. The influencers contend that constant content creation, editing and staying on trend amount to a full‑time job, yet they are dismissed as superficial. Their grievances echo broader debates about recognition of online content as labor and the lack of regulation in the sector.

How have people reacted

The strike threat has sparked a mixed response. Influencers at the Sydney event cheered Veronica's speech, with some posting online in support of the union idea. However, many social‑media users have criticized the move as out of touch. In December 2024, Veronica B faced backlash when she told a reporter at the Sydney TikTok Awards that influencing was 'hard work'. Viewers, including nurses and other frontline workers, mocked her complaints, highlighting long shifts and physically demanding jobs. Veronica responded to some criticisms on TikTok, pointing out that online commenters must have spare time if they are criticizing her.