Writers Strike: Other Guilds Pledge Support For WGA Amid Work Stoppage – Update

Erik Pedersen
·3 min read

Check back for updates… The Writers Guild strike no longer is looming but here, and guilds in Hollywood, entertainment and other fields are weighing in to show their support for the WGA in its labor action against the studios. Here is what we’re hearing so far.

RELATED: Deadline’s Full Strike Coverage

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The Producers Guild of America weighed in Tuesday morning with this:

“The Producers Guild of America stands with the Writers Guild as its members seek fair and equitable compensation for their work, making the difficult decision to strike in order to create meaningful change within our industry. We believe that everyone working in the film and television industry deserves to be fairly compensated for their work and receive essential benefits.”

The NYC musicians union, AFM Local 802, said Wedensday:

“The musicians of the New York City  musicians’ union (AFM Local 802) support the writers of the Writers Guild of America in their fight for a fair contract. Writers, musicians and all creative workers are facing the same disruptions in streaming caused by the AMPTP’s corporate greed and the use of technology and A.I. to replace our art. But the power of the labor movement has always been solidarity. We’ll stick with the writers until the gains they deserve are delivered.”

Laborers Union Local 724 has  joined the chorus of unions supporting the WGA’s strike:

“We will continue to support our Brothers and Sisters from the WGA in their efforts to get an agreement that is fair and brings gains and equity to their membership,” said Local 724 Business Manager Alex Aguilar Jr. “These are important times in the labor movement, particularly the entertainment industry. As we approach our bargaining session in less than a year, it is critical that we stay united and support one another in this fight. The labor movement is about unity, solidarity and equality. Today it’s the writers; tomorrow it will be us fighting the same fight. Their fight is our fight.”

RELATED: What Went Wrong? Writers & Studios Reveal What They Couldn’t (And Could) Agree On As Strike Is Set

The International Cinematographers Guild, IATSE Local 600, also expressed support for the strike:

“Local 600’s core principles include that all workers have the right to be compensated fairly, provided with sustainable benefits, and ensured of safe working conditions. We strongly support the WGA in their fight for a fair contract.”

Here’s what the AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, who leads the country’s largest federation of unions, said Tuesday:

The 12.5 million members of the AFL-CIO stand in strong solidarity with members of the WGAE and the WGAW who went on strike this morning to fight for a fair contract that recognizes the tremendous value these writers bring to the entertainment industry.

Writers are the lifeblood of film, television and other entertainment, and they deserve a fair contract that ensures these vital jobs pay family-supporting wages and include decent benefits like health care and retirement. Producers make billions in profits off the words that bring the magic of film and television to life for audiences in the United States and around the world. It’s deeply disappointing that Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) isn’t bargaining in good faith to deliver a fair contract. We call on the producers to immediately reach an agreement with the WGAE and the WGAW that respects the vital work the writers do to entertain millions of people every single day.

RELATED: Deadline’s Full Strike Coverage

Elsewhere, the Motion Picture & Television Fund is sending out a lifeline to entertainment industry professional in need of help during the strike. “Affected by the current work stoppage? MPTF is here to help,” it says, noting that it “offers a variety of services that can provide emotional and financial relief to individuals and their families who are experiencing hardship,” including temporary emergency financial assistance for eligible industry members, confidential help and supportive counseling, and referrals to community resources.

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