I am writing to draw your attention to the ongoing strike led by the Writers' Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). This issue directly impacts the livelihoods of our community, and I believe the urgency of the situation warrants your immediate intervention.

The key issues of the strike center around fair residuals for streaming content and the appropriate use and compensation related to artificial intelligence (AI). With the rapid transformation of the entertainment landscape and the burgeoning influence of digital platforms, we must ensure that the profits derived from this new media ecology are equitably shared with those who play an instrumental role in its creation.

Traditional television and film residuals have long been a critical part of the economic stability for writers and actors, but the shift towards streaming services has dramatically changed this equation. Without fair residuals from streaming content,  members of the entertainment community face a precarious financial future. We need an updated model that appropriately values their contributions in this new media landscape.

Similarly, the advent and use of AI in the entertainment industry raises significant questions around labor, compensation, and creative rights. While AI has the potential to revolutionize aspects of the industry, it should not be used to undercut human labor or devalue the unique contributions of individual creatives.

I humbly request that the Department of Labor take a proactive role in facilitating discussions between the WGA, SAG-AFTRA, and the relevant entertainment entities. By stepping in to mediate this dispute, you can help guide the industry towards a resolution that supports innovation while respecting and properly compensating the creatives whose contributions fuel our industry.

I believe that your leadership and intervention could set a precedent that recognizes the changing dynamics of work in the digital age, fostering a fair and sustainable entertainment industry for the generations to come.

I thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and trust in your commitment to uphold the rights and interests of workers across the United States.