The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has also been on strike since May 2023. Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, criticized the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for their treatment of actors and writers, calling for changes in the business model to reflect the changing industry. Both guilds are seeking better compensation and improved working conditions for their members.
Key takeaways:
- Hollywood stars and writers, including Sheryl Lee Ralph and Rihanna, have been on strike for months demanding better wages.
- Sheryl Lee Ralph gave a speech at a Los Angeles rally supporting the striking actors and writers, using Rihanna's song lyrics to emphasize their demands.
- The Screen Actors Guild — American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) are both on strike, with actors seeking improved wages, working conditions, health and pension benefits, and safeguards against their likeness being replicated by artificial intelligence.
- The strike began after the unions failed to agree on a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.