LOS ANGELES (KNX) - Several different unions will show their support for the Writers Guild of America during a rally in downtown Los Angeles Friday afternoon.
The rally, organized by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, is expected to include members of SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, the Teamsters, Service Employees International Union, and more. Organizers say the rally-goers represent more than 200,000 workers across L.A. whose contracts are about to expire.
The WGA strike is nearing the end of its third week, with no progress made on reaching a fair deal with studios and streaming companies. The union is asking for higher residual pay for streaming programs, minimum staffing levels, and regulations banning the use of AI.
WGA member David Slack, who’s worked on shows including Law & Order and Lie to Me, says the event isn’t about the writers — it’s about celebrating all of the unionized workers in Los Angeles who are facing contract negotiations later this year.
“The thing that makes Los Angeles great are workers who are largely invisible, who make our city function,” Slack said. “And right now we’re in the middle of a homelessness crisis, we’ve got full-time workers who can’t afford to pay rent or keep food on the table, and we’re finding ourselves priced out.”
SAG-AFTRA, a union representing actors, called for a strike authorization vote last week as negotiations with studios approach in early June. The Directors Guild of America is also currently engaged in contract talks with the studios.
The rally is set to begin at 5 p.m. on Friday at the corner of 12th and Figueroa Streets in downtown L.A.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Related
Related
