Karen Bass, the Mayor of Los Angeles, has expressed her commitment to actively facilitating negotiations between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the Writers Guild (WGA) to resolve the ongoing strike swiftly.
Bass announced this Friday as both parties returned to the negotiation table, aiming to find common ground after talks broke down in May due to contentious issues.
Bass’s statement on Friday underscored her dedication to aiding the ongoing negotiations. She acknowledged the adverse impact of the ongoing strike on the local economy and the community, stating, “The reopening of communication between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is an encouraging step, particularly considering the far-reaching negative consequences of this unprecedented situation on our economy and our citizens.”
She further discussed the profound ripple effects of this critical juncture in the city’s prominent entertainment industry on the local, state, and national levels. “The repercussions have been felt across every corner of Los Angeles—stretching from the writers and actors struggling to make ends meet while fighting to secure their homes and nourishment to the businesses heavily reliant on the entertainment sector,” she continued. “As the dynamics of the entertainment industry’s economic landscape evolve, we must respond and adapt to this challenge. It is paramount that a resolution is achieved without delay, enabling Los Angeles to regain its momentum. I stand ready to personally engage with all stakeholders to facilitate this process in any feasible way.”
Recent developments have shown a willingness from both sides to re-engage in talks. The Writers Guild announced on Thursday that the AMPTP expressed interest in a meeting to discuss negotiations. Despite this, the Guild cautioned its members against believing unfounded rumors. The Writers Guild initiated its strike in May, marking the first action in 15 years. A central point of contention has been the studios’ reluctance to return to negotiations, a stance that has persisted since the start of the writers’ strike. Key issues include residual payments, cost of living wage increases, health insurance, and protections related to artificial intelligence.
In a rare occurrence, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) also initiated a strike in solidarity with the Writers Guild. This marked the first time since 1964 that both unions have taken simultaneous strike actions.
Meanwhile, on August 3, the New York City Council unanimously passed two resolutions, namely Resolution 694 and Resolution 729, demonstrating support for the striking workers of SAG-AFTRA and WGA. These resolutions urge the AMPTP to engage in constructive negotiations to secure a fair contract for all Writers Guild of America members. Council Member Carmen De La Rosa emphasized the importance of ensuring dignified living conditions for the workforce in the face of rising inflation and living costs. The resolutions were sponsored by council members Carmen De La Rosa and Amanda Farías, with notable support from SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, who was present in New York City to champion their passage.
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