Writers Guild of America Takes Action for Gig Workers

The Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), a partner in CWE’s Worker Service Centers (WSC) program, has supported its membership of more than 6,000 writers during the COVID-19 pandemic. WGAE has advised members who have lost income and benefits, and has assisted them with filling for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance as well as traditional unemployment benefits. WGAE was also successful in lobbying state leaders to reinstate a program that subsidizes health insurance premiums for entertainment union members whose health coverage has expired.
 
The economic crisis caused by COVID-19 revealed how many workers today are working in “gig” industries, without many of the protections that workers usually receive. The WGAE and other unions advocated for protections for gig workers in the federal CARES Act and, because of the enormous mobilization of grassroots support by union members, these workers are now eligible for weekly unemployment benefits.  More than 1,400 WGAE members contacted their legislators in support of the campaign, by phone, email, or on social media.
 
The union has also mobilized members to help the country get through the current crisis. The WGAE convened a working group of members who have crafted many COVID-related public service announcements for government and charitable organizations that have reached millions of viewers and listeners.