UPDATED: Lawmakers Stand with SAG-AFTRA in Strike for Fair Wages and Benefits
Lawmakers are voicing their support for the strike called by SAG-AFTRA, set to begin on Friday just after midnight. In a passionate video shared on social media, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) expressed his solidarity, stating, “I want you to know I stand with you. This is personal for me. So many of my constituents, so many actors and stunt performers, so many voiceover artists and broadcast journalists, you’re my friends and you’re my neighbors, and what’s more, your fight is the fight for workers all over the country. This is the fight to make the economy work for people again. The industry is very profitable, and you should share in those profits.” He pledged to join picket lines, shouting through the bullhorn, and vowed to support them until they secure the deal they deserve.
Shortly after SAG-AFTRA officials held a press conference to announce the strike, Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) took to Twitter, declaring, “Workers should share in the profits they help create. With studios raking in billions each year, it’s unacceptable SAG-AFTRA members are struggling to get by. I stand with the thousands going on strike and urge studios to make a fair deal.”
Schiff and Porter, both running to succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), previously showed their support for the writers during their walkout in May, along with another Democratic rival, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA).
While the White House has yet to comment on the SAG-AFTRA strike, President Joe Biden spoke out in May during the WGA strike, emphasizing the need for writers to receive “a fair deal they deserve as soon as possible.”
More updates to come.
