Bill Maher is wondering why California’s Governor is standing on the sidelines during Hollywood’s economy-crushing labor disputes, and he’s calling on Gavin Newsom to help hammer out a deal.

The ‘Real Time’ host joined us on “TMZ Live” and we asked him about the strike that’s put his, and every other TV host’s, staffs out of work for months now. Bill says this should be Gov. Newsom’s time to shine by getting both sides in a room to find a quicker path to ending the work stoppage.

He also pointed out the obvious — showbiz is one of California’s biggest industries, so Gov. Newsom absolutely has a vested interest in fixing it.

Now, Bill says he is supportive of the writers — hell, he IS one, and says he’s not shooting his show out of solidarity — but he also tells us some of the union demands get under his skin … and lays out exactly why.

The HBO host also has strong thoughts on what’s going on at college campuses around the country … explaining why he’s not surprised Harvard was just ranked the worst school for free speech.

Bill says it’s part of an ever-growing echo chamber of sorts, calling it an extension of what has been playing out at corporate media outlets for decades, but he’s got some solutions.

As always, Bill is equal parts funny, practical and blunt, and he’s got a lot to say before he heads out to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for a series of standup shows on Sept. 15-16 and Nov. 3-4.

Catch our full interview with Bill on Thursday’s “TMZ Live.”

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