Writers Guild of America (WGA) members who were facing the loss of their health coverage on October 1 have been granted an extension through the end of the year, according to the guild’s tentative agreement. This extension also applies to writers who would have exhausted their COBRA benefits eligibility. The WGA members will soon vote to ratify the new deal.
Since the Writers Guild went on strike on May 2, followed by the SAG-AFTRA strike on July 14, union health plans have been suffering due to a lack of employer contributions. The Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans (MPIPHP), which covers IATSE’s West Coast locals, Teamsters Local 399, and several other industry unions, has reportedly lost $150 million in employer contributions during the strikes.
To support their members during the strikes, several other health plans, including those of the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, and IATSE, have made it easier for them to obtain health coverage. Last month, trustees of the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan unanimously agreed to extend health coverage for certain qualified participants who would have lost it on October 1. The trustees of the DGA Pension & Health Plans also approved a free major medical plan for participants who lose coverage because of the strikes. Additionally, the MPIPHP has relaxed the requirements for their members to qualify for health coverage to assist those affected by the strikes and their dependents.
The extension of health coverage for WGA members provides some relief during these challenging times. With the upcoming vote to ratify the new deal and the efforts made by various health plans to support their members, there may be some hope for a resolution to the strikes in the near future. However, the impact of the strikes on the industry and the health plans will continue to be felt until a resolution is reached.