John Oliver praises the Writers Guild of America (WGA) for their efforts during the Hollywood writers' strike, expressing frustration that it took the studios 148 days to reach a fair deal that could have been offered from the beginning. He hopes that the success of the WGA will inspire other industries to find power in unions and work towards fair contracts. Oliver also expresses hope that other entertainment industry unions, such as SAG-AFTRA and IATSE, will be able to negotiate new contracts based on the WGA's achievements.
John Oliver returns to Last Week Tonight after a five-month hiatus due to the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. He congratulates the writers on their successful strike for a fair contract and criticizes the studios for taking 148 days to reach an agreement. Oliver hopes that the writers' victory will inspire other workers, including those in SAG-AFTRA and IATSE, to fight for fair contracts as well.
Rep. Dan Kildee, a Michigan lawmaker, expressed his support for the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, calling it a "fundamental struggle" that will benefit not only the workers but also the entire community. The UAW is demanding higher wages, shorter work weeks, union representation for battery plant workers, and better retirement benefits. The strike has expanded to 38 additional plants, excluding Ford, as negotiations continue. Kildee criticized Sen. Tim Scott's opposition to the strike, stating that it would be a step back for workers' rights and the middle class.
Stunt performer Mike Massa set himself on fire during a SAG-AFTRA picket line in protest of unfair working conditions faced by actors and writers in their negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Stunt actors, along with writers and conventional actors, are demanding fair pay based on streaming profits and protection against the use of artificial intelligence. The strike, which began on July 14, is the first simultaneous action by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA since 1960.
Bryan Cranston led a rally in New York as Hollywood actors, including Christine Baranski, F Murray Abraham, Wendell Pierce, Steve Buscemi, Christian Slater, and Tituss Burgess, continue their strike with writers. Cranston delivered a fiery speech addressing Disney CEO Bob Iger, expressing concerns about the use of AI and the threat to actors' jobs and dignity. Other actors voiced their support on stage, highlighting the need for fair compensation, healthcare, retirement benefits, and respect for their contributions. The strike is a response to big corporations' refusal to treat actors fairly, and the actors vow to continue standing up for what's right.
Workers at a Starbucks location in Newton, Massachusetts, are planning to go on strike over unfair labor practices and the coffee chain's guidelines on LGBTQ+ pride decorations. The workers, represented by a union, claim that the company has limited their ability to display pride-related items and are also demanding negotiations for a fair contract. Over 8,000 workers in 320 Starbucks stores across the US have successfully unionized since December 2021. The strike is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., and Starbucks officials have stated their intention to provide clearer guidance on pride decorations in their stores.
Starbucks workers from over 150 stores in the U.S. are going on strike to demand a fair contract and respect for LGBTQIA2+ workers. The strike comes after reports that some Starbucks stores were removing or banning the use of Pride decorations, which the company denies. Starbucks has reiterated its support for the LGBTQIA2+ community and stated that there has been no change to its policies. The strike has resulted in the closure of several stores, and workers have also protested by marching in pride parades. Other companies, such as Target, have faced criticism for their handling of LGBTQ issues.
Elected officials in New York City, including members of the City Council and Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, are calling for studio executives to resume negotiations with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and settle their differences equitably. The WGA has been on strike for eight weeks, demanding more pay in the form of residuals for streaming television programming, limits on the use of artificial intelligence to generate content, and a return to traditional writers rooms. The strike has been supported by local, state, and federal office holders, who are using their platform to call for a fair contract and urging production companies to resume talks.
The WGA Strong March and Rally for a Fair Contract has begun in LA with thousands of members of the guild, including Damon Lindelof and Boots Riley, taking to the streets. The march will be followed by live music and several speakers. The WGA has been joined by other unions, including SAG, the American Federation of Musicians, and Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA). The unions are showing solidarity and energy in their fight for a fair contract, and the WGA is open every day for the AMPTP to get back to the negotiating table.
