Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says she is willing to “engage personally” with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and the Writers Guild as they work to reach an agreement amid the ongoing strike.
Bass issued a statement Friday pledging to help with the ongoing negotiation as the effects of the shock hit the city’s economy, the same day the WGA and AMPTP returned to the negotiating table since contract negotiations soured in May. for a multitude of topics.
“The reopening of communication between representatives of the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is an encouraging development, especially as this historic moment continues to have a profoundly negative impact on our economy and many of our community members. ”said the mayor. .
Bass went on to talk about how the “major inflection point for our city’s iconic industry has caused a ripple effect throughout our economy,” as well as the state and country.
“The impact has spanned every corner of Los Angeles, from the writers and actors on the picket line trying to make ends meet to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, to businesses that rely on the entertainment industry. ”, he continued. . “Economic conditions in the entertainment industry are changing, and we must react and evolve to meet this challenge. It is critical that this be resolved immediately if Los Angeles is to return to normal, and I stand ready to personally engage with all stakeholders in any way possible to help get this done.”
On Thursday, the WGA announced that the AMPTP had requested a meeting with the union “to discuss negotiations” but warned its members to “beware of rumours.” The union announced it would go on strike for the first time in 15 years in early May. The Guild has maintained that AMPTP studios have refused to come back to the table and continue talks on key issues since the writers’ strike began. That includes residual payments, cost-of-living wage increases, health insurance and artificial intelligence protections.
Since talks between the WGA and AMPTP stalled, the performers union SAG-AFTRA has called its own strike, marking the first time the two unions have struck together since 1964.
August 3 also saw the New York City Council unanimously pass Resolution 694 and Resolution 729expressing support for the striking SAG-AFTRA and WGA workers and calling on the AMPTP to “engage in good faith negotiations that result in a fair contract for all members of the Writers Guild of America.”
“As inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, it is important that our workforce is able to maintain a dignified life in our city,” said Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa. “Wages, however, have remained stagnant. Big business has profited off our entertainment workers for far too long, shamelessly making millions and threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people. We expect the AMPTP to commit in good faith; New York City depends on it.”
The resolutions were sponsored by council members Carmen De La Rosa and Amanda Farías, and SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher appeared in New York City to support passage of the resolutions.
