Hollywood writers’ strike gets support on Capitol Hill
One California representative says better pay for writers is “vital” to the entertainment industry.
A Hollywood television and movie screenwriters strike has caught the attention of Congress.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) expressed his support for the roughly 11,500 people in the Writers Guild of America who set up picket lines Tuesday after failed negotiations with studios and streamers, which began in March. The writers want their pay for shows on streaming platforms to increase, among other demands.
“The WGA fight for better pay and wage protections in the era of streaming content is vital to ensuring the livelihood of those who make the entertainment industry such a creative powerhouse,” he said in a tweet on Tuesday. “I stand with those striking and urge both sides to swiftly come to a deal that supports good worker salaries and keeps our favorite TV and movie productions afloat.”
Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), who’s currently running for Senate, encouraged the WGA and studios to promptly negotiate. “All workers should be compensated fairly, including in a changing economy,” she said Tuesday on Twitter. “I join the chorus of Americans supporting @WGAWest/@WGAEast and urge both sides to come to a swift agreement that honors the hard work and dedication of writers. #WGAStrong”
The tense negotiations have also caught the attention of lawmakers outside of the California delegation.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), chair of the Senate HELP Committee, used the strike to highlight compensation disparities in the entertainment industry.
“Last year, 8 Hollywood CEOs made nearly $800 million, yet pay for TV writers has fallen by 23 percent over the last 10 years. I stand with the nearly 12,000 @WGAWest writers on strike for a fair contract,” Sanders said on Twitter Tuesday, referencing the West Coast division of the union.
The White House has stayed fairly mum on the issue.
“President Biden is a strong supporter of workers rights to strike,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a briefing on Tuesday, but she declined further comment when pressed by reporter.
The Writers Guild of America said in a statement that the current climate has “created a gig economy inside a union workforce.” They also said they “are determined to achieve a new contract with fair pay that reflects the value of our contribution to company success and includes protections to ensure that writing survives as a sustainable profession.”
The strike is expected to hurt the production of current television shows, especially late night offerings, and those still in the making.
The last WGA strike started in 2007, continuing through the beginning of 2008. It lasted for 100 days.