The Writers Guild of America (WGA West) has reached a deal with the studios, but most of the staff of its West local remains on strike for a 51-day period. California Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas has urged the guild to end the strike, stating that the Guild is not at full capacity to perform its duties. The striking staffers are demanding better pay and job security, with the WGA West arguing that seniority protections in promotions and layoffs are necessary to combat favoritism. The WGA has offered a fair deal, which includes $800,000 worth of salary increases.