President Biden praised the resolution reached by screenwriters and producers to end the long-standing writers strike that disrupted Hollywood and prime-time television shows for several months.
The Writers Guild of America informed its members that it has reached a favorable agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers after nearly five months of striking. The strike was driven by demands for improved pay from major studios, including residuals for streaming service reruns of their work.
According to Mr. Biden, the agreement, which will undergo a union vote, will enable writers to resume their important work of storytelling about the nation, the world, and all of us.
“This agreement, which also addresses concerns related to artificial intelligence, was not easily achieved,” he said. “Yet, it demonstrates the power of collective bargaining. There is simply no substitute for employers and employees coming together to negotiate in good faith, resulting in an agreement that strengthens the business and ensures deserving pay, benefits, and dignity for workers.”
As the self-proclaimed most pro-union president in American history, Mr. Biden is actively involving himself in various labor disputes, including the ongoing strike by the United Auto Workers, which poses a significant threat to a major sector of the economy.
In an effort to support workers’ demands, the president will visit Michigan on Tuesday to join the picket line.
This visit is also strategically scheduled to counter former President Donald Trump’s rally with auto workers in Michigan on Wednesday, instead of participating in the second primary debate in California as a potential candidate for the GOP presidential nomination.
Mr. Biden emphasizes the need for greater pay for workers, given the improved profits across different industries, including automakers.
“I urge all employers to recognize that workers, including writers, actors, and autoworkers, deserve a fair share of the value their labor contributes,” Mr. Biden stated on Monday.
SEE ALSO: Writers Guild and Hollywood studios reach tentative deal to end strike. No deal yet for actors
