Writers from the Writers Guild of America (WGA) joined striking Amazon delivery drivers from Palmdale in a show of solidarity.
Over 50 writers participated in a picket outside an Amazon warehouse in Santa Clarita, California. The Amazon delivery drivers have been on strike since June 24, protesting unfair labor practices, and have been expanding their protests to other Amazon warehouses.
Since the start of the WGA strike in May, the Teamsters union has pledged not to cross the WGA picket lines, including turning around trucks at studios. Teamsters members have also been active in supporting the WGA’s protests and rallies. In return, the WGA writers were happy to join the striking Amazon drivers to show their support.
The WGA writers expressed their gratitude to the Teamsters for their ongoing support, with Michael Perry, an executive producer and screenwriter, stating that they are helping make their point about the need for a fair contract. The Teamsters are demanding that Amazon address issues such as low pay and unsafe working conditions for their drivers.
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The presence of the WGA writers doubled the size of the picket line, with both groups marching together and chanting slogans against Amazon and union-busting. The picket action coincided with Prime Day deliveries and caused disruptions for employees entering and exiting the warehouse. Despite the heat, the writers and union members were determined to show their support and build solidarity.
Kat Wood, a screenwriter and Writers Guild West member, expressed that this is a crucial moment for union solidarity, emphasizing the importance of standing up for each other and supporting all unions.
The joint action between the WGA writers and the striking Amazon delivery drivers demonstrates the growing momentum and solidarity within labor movements in Hollywood and beyond.
The WGA Strike is now in its 11th week and has cost the Los Angeles economy $1.5 billion.
