“As a member of three unions myself, I understand that all workers need to be fairly compensated for their hard work.” – Sen. Franken.
Washington, D.C. – The campaign to raise standards and win benefits for writers and producers working in the nonfiction television industry won a very powerful ally today: Writers Guild of America East member and U.S Senator Al Franken.
“As a member of three unions myself, I understand that all workers need to be fairly compensated for their hard work,” said Sen. Franken.
“Unfortunately, today, too many professional television writers are forced into a system that does not always protect their interests in the workplace.”
Writers Guild of America Executive Director Lowell Peterson joined Franken on a panel discussion for congressional staff and policy makers. “The reality of freelance employment in nonfiction TV is that even creative professionals face grueling hours, no job security, no benefits, and no certainty about compensation,” said Peterson. “Writers and producers in this industry find that, joining with the WGAE, it’s possible to change those conditions, but there is a lot of work to be done.”
In addition to Peterson, the panel – moderated by American Rights at Work and Jobs with Justice Executive Director Sarita Gupta – featured Lee Ellenberg, a writer for The Late Show with David Letterman. Senator Franken pledged his support to the nonfiction writer-producers in attendance at the panel. “I’m fighting alongside the Writers Guild to ensure that these writers are rewarded properly for their work.”
For more resources on misclassification and contingent work, visit www.americanrightsatwork.org/misclassification.
S. 2252: Rebuild America Act www.help.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/
H.R. 3178: Employee Misclassification Prevention Act woolsey.house.gov/index.cfm