Bectu joins Global Day of Solidarity in support of WGA strike

Bectu will join the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB), writers and other workers around the world for ‘Screenwriters Everywhere’, a Global day of Solidarity and action on Wednesday 14 June.

Bectu stands in support of the 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America West and Writers Guild of America East, who have been on strike since 2 May 2023 over fair pay, a stable pay structure, and fairer deals and contracts.

Actions are planned in more than 20 countries as part of the global day of solidarity. There will also be a large international social media presence on Twitter using the #ScreenwritersEverywhere hashtag.

Bectu will join WGGB and our sister Federation of Entertainment Unions and their members – the Musicians’ Union, the NUJ, and Equity – alongside WGA members in the UK in London’s Leicester Square.

You can find more information on the WGGB protest and register your attendance here. Those unable to attend can also join the global day of solidarity on social media. Find out more here.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said: 

“WGA is fighting for the future of writing and for the ability to develop and sustain careers in the entertainment industry in the face of the pressures of streaming and the looming threat of generative AI.

“On this Global Day of Action, Bectu stands in solidarity with the WGA in their fight for fair pay, decent working conditions and the protection of writers’ rights in the digital environment, including the use of artificial intelligence.

“This is a global fight; the fight of the WGA is pivotal for workers across the world and solidarity with US writers is important for raising standards globally.

“We urge the AMPTP to negotiate seriously with screenwriters represented by the WGA. Without their creativity there is no film and TV industry.

“We are proud to stand alongside WGA, WGGB, and all creative workers, united in our commitment to better, fairer creative industries, both at home and abroad.”