The Writers Guild of America West’s own staff union is officially on strike. According to a release, the staff union called for an unfair labor practice strike on Tuesday afternoon, alleging management has shown no intention to come to an agreement on the pending contract. Among its accusations, the labor group also said that guild management has “surveilled workers for union activity, terminated union supporters, and engaged in bad faith surface bargaining.” Last month, the union first authorized a strike, with 82% of its members in favor. The staff union, made up of over 100 workers across legal, communications, residuals and other departments, was formed last spring and contract negotiations began in September. The bargaining has focused on concerns about the growth and use of artificial intelligence, pay raises and “basic protections” like grievance procedures. In a statement to The Times, WGA said it “respects the staff union’s right to strike, and will continue to bargain in good faith,” but said the union’s “allegations of unfair labor practices are without merit.” “During the course of 19 negotiating sessions since September, the Guild has offered the staff union comprehensive proposals with numerous union protections and improvements to compensation and working conditions,” wrote a WGA spokesperson. “We look forward to a resolution of a first contract with the staff union.” The Writers Guild made headlines in 2023 for the second-longest strike in the union’s history. At the time, film and TV writers were boycotting major studios and fighting for fair compensation. WGA West staffers also played a key role in the strike as they, too, joined the picket lines. A contract was settled after a 148-day work stoppage, but it’s set to expire on May 1. The strike comes as the WGA’s East and West Coast groups get ready to once again sit down with major movie studios and streaming companies. SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, began its negotiations last week, with WGA’s set to begin in mid-March. But for now, WGA’s staff union will be picketing outside of its Fairfax offices.
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2026-02-17/writers-guild-of-americas-staff-union-calls-for-strike
Category: labour
Maharashtra Labour Department Launches New Website And ‘Shramdut’ Chatbot To Assist Workers & Employers
**Mumbai: Labour Department Launches New Website and Chatbot to Aid Employers and Workers**
As part of the Maharashtra state government’s 150-day special program initiatives, the Labour Department has launched a new website designed to provide comprehensive information for both employers and workers across the state.
**Inauguration and Introduction of Chatbot “Shramdut”**
The new website, [https://labour.maharashtra.gov.in](https://labour.maharashtra.gov.in), was officially inaugurated today in Mumbai by Labour Minister Adv. Akash Fundkar. Along with the website launch, the department introduced an innovative chatbot named “Shramdut,” which aims to offer immediate guidance and assistance to workers and employers.
**Emphasis on Accessibility and User-Friendliness**
Speaking about the initiative, Minister Adv. Fundkar highlighted the importance of making the website highly accessible and user-friendly. He stressed that it should cater not only to workers and employers but also to the general public and persons with disabilities. Additionally, the Minister provided essential instructions and guidance to the Labour Department to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.
**Acknowledging Dedicated Efforts**
The website development was spearheaded by the Labour Department’s Principal Secretary I.A. Kundan, along with Deputy Secretaries Deepak Pokle and Swapnil Kapadnis, and other officials who contributed significantly to this important initiative.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-labour-department-launches-new-website-and-shramdut-chatbot-to-assist-workers-employers
Maharashtra Labour Department Launches New Website And ‘Shramdut’ Chatbot To Assist Workers & Employers
**Labour Department of Maharashtra Launches New Website and Chatbot for Employers and Workers**
Mumbai: As part of the state government’s 150-day special program initiatives, the Labour Department has launched a new website aimed at providing comprehensive information for both employers and workers across Maharashtra.
**Inauguration and Chatbot Introduction**
The website, [https://labour.maharashtra.gov.in](https://labour.maharashtra.gov.in), was inaugurated today in Mumbai by Labour Minister Adv. Akash Fundkar. Alongside the launch, the department introduced a chatbot named “Shramdut,” designed to offer immediate guidance and assistance to workers and employers.
**Focus on Accessibility and Guidance**
Speaking about the initiative, Minister Adv. Fundkar emphasized that the website should be extremely user-friendly and accessible to workers, employers, the general public, as well as persons with disabilities. He also provided necessary instructions and guidance to the Labour Department to ensure effective implementation of the project.
**Development Efforts by Officials**
The website has been developed through the dedicated efforts of the Labour Department’s Principal Secretary I.A. Kundan, Deputy Secretaries Deepak Pokle and Swapnil Kapadnis, along with several other officials involved in the project.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-labour-department-launches-new-website-and-shramdut-chatbot-to-assist-workers-employers