The Writers Guild of America has been on strike for more than four months, and the SAG-AFTRA has been on strike for nearly two months. According to Deadline, a bill has been proposed in California that would grant workers who go on strike unemployment benefits, such as insurance. The bill, titled Senate Bill 799, would help both the writers and actors who have gone on strike. However, the bill is also intended for any worker in California who is on strike.
As Deadline notes, the bill was approved by California’s Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee. Now, the bill will move onto the California State Senate for approval and then, if approved there, to the California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Representatives from both the WGA and the SAG-AFTRA were at the labor committee hearing.
According to Deadline, The WGA president Meredith Stiehm (The Bridge, Cold Case) made a statement to the Assembly Insurance Committee that was read aloud by a representative. Stiehm stated, “Writers have had to rely on strike loans from our union, donations, philanthropy, and second and third jobs to pay for their basic needs since May 2.”
She continued, “Four months without work is emotionally brutal and financially disastrous. I’m proud to report that our members have held strong and kept their resolve throughout this long hot labor summer, but they are suffering.”
Similarly, as noted by Deadline, the Secretary and Treasurer of SAG-AFTRA Joely Fisher (Inspector Gadget, Wild Card) spoke to the Assembly Insurance Committee last month. Fisher stated, “Denying UI to striking workers is another way employers hold an unfair advantage over workers fighting for what’s right. CEOs play the waiting game, knowing workers living on the margins have rent to pay and groceries to buy. SB 799 gives workers a chance to fight for what’s fair. We are in the fight of our lives – for our jobs, our industry, our future. We cannot wait any longer for UI benefits that will help us survive and will help all workers who stand up to fight for a better future.”
Although the bill was opposed by groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce in California, it was still approved with a four-to-one vote allowing it to move forward.