They have to, per contract. All the other 'below the line' workers who aren't writers were forced out of work, too you know. Such as script coordinators, writers' assistants, production coordinators, secretaries, assistants, camera men, makeup artists, set managers, video editors, music, prop people, special effects, etc.

They all have bills, rent and need to eat. They won't benefit from the writers and actors getting more money, but if the strike lasted any longer, many were on the verge of losing everything. I'm glad some of the workforce are back to work and are getting a paycheck.