Hollywood writers' strike gets Adam Schiffs' support

A Hollywood television and movie screenwriters strike has caught the attention of Congress.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) expressed his support for the roughly 11,500 people in the Writers Guild of America who set up picket lines Tuesday after failed negotiations with studios and streamers, which began in March.

“The WGA fight for better pay and wage protections in the era of streaming content is vital to ensuring the livelihood of those who make the entertainment industry such a creative powerhouse,” he said in a tweet on Tuesday. “I stand with those striking and urge both sides to swiftly come to a deal that supports good worker salaries and keeps our favorite TV and movie productions afloat.”

The writers want their pay for shows on streaming platforms to increase, among other demands.

“The companies' behavior has created a gig economy inside a union workforce, and their immovable stance in this negotiation has betrayed a commitment to further devaluing the profession of writing ,” The Writers Guild of America said in a statement.

The strike is expected to hurt the production of current television shows and those still in the making.

The guild has said they “are determined to achieve a new contract with fair pay that reflects the value of our contribution to company success and includes protections to ensure that writing survives as a sustainable profession.”