Writers Guild of America West, Hollywood Unions Endorse Kamala Harris

Hollywood’s unions and guilds are beginning to rally behind Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

The Writers Guild of America West’s political action committee on Thursday endorsed Harris for president. In a statement, WGAW chief Meredith Stiehm stressed that she’s “consistently supported writers,” most recently by “refusing to cross our picket line” during the 2023 strike.

“As president, she will continue the great work of the Biden-Harris administration to protect labor rights, create good jobs, promote competition and protect workers’ pensions,” she added.

The move follows IATSE’s endorsement of the vice president. On July 22, shortly after President Joe Biden said he would not be running for reelection, the crew union unanimously voted to back Harris, calling the administration she served under among the most “pro-union” in history and underscoring the policies she shepherded that benefited workers.

Harris cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the American Rescue Plan Act, which extended the $300 weekly unemployment supplement, fully paid for unemployment insurance premiums and provided direct payments of $1,400, among other things. And as chair of the White House labor task force, she engaged IATSE to provide input on executive actions that increased the ability to organize in the industry.

In a statement, IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb said the group is “committed to doing whatever it takes to elect Vice President Kamala Harris this November.” He underscored Donald Trump in 2004 crossing an IATSE picket line of The Apprentice.

A day after IATSE’s endorsement, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada did the same after a unanimous vote by members of the board.

“The Federation joins with all Americans who want to see a nation that is united, that promotes inclusion and a vision for the future, and that honors and respects all of its citizens,” said President Tino Gagliardi in a statement. “The AFM proudly endorses Kamala Harris for president of the United States. For musicians concerned about protecting their rights against exploitation both intellectually and at work, and ensuring the security of our pay, benefits, and retirement, Harris is the clear choice.”