The Writers Guild of America West (WGA West) staff has voted to authorize a strike. This decision comes just weeks before the union is scheduled to negotiate with major studios regarding their first contract. The union staff, which organized last spring, is seeking improved wages and stronger job protections.
Background of the Strike Authorization
Negotiations between the Writers Guild Staff Union (WGSU) and WGA West management have been ongoing since September 2022, with the most recent meeting occurring on January 17, 2023. During a pause in talks, WGSU members organized a picket outside the WGA West headquarters, advocating for “just cause” employee discipline and a fair contract.
Voting Results
- A total of 100 employees participated in the strike authorization vote…
The Writers Guild of America West (WGA West) staff has voted to authorize a strike. This decision comes just weeks before the union is scheduled to negotiate with major studios regarding their first contract. The union staff, which organized last spring, is seeking improved wages and stronger job protections.
Background of the Strike Authorization
Negotiations between the Writers Guild Staff Union (WGSU) and WGA West management have been ongoing since September 2022, with the most recent meeting occurring on January 17, 2023. During a pause in talks, WGSU members organized a picket outside the WGA West headquarters, advocating for “just cause” employee discipline and a fair contract.
Voting Results
- A total of 100 employees participated in the strike authorization vote.
- 82 staff members voted in favor of the strike.
The strike resolution stems from various complaints regarding unfair labor practices. Allegations include “surface bargaining,” unilateral changes to employment terms, unlawful surveillance, and retaliation against union members.
Union’s Response and Complaints Filed
In August, the WGSU filed an unfair labor practices complaint against WGA West, alleging the unlawful termination of an organizing committee member. The WGA West denied these allegations and asserted that it has been negotiating in good faith.
Key Proposals from WGSU
The staff union is advocating for several key proposals:
- Just cause and grievance procedures for fairness.
- Robust protections against artificial intelligence in the workplace.
- Work-from-home provisions that enhance current practices.
- Sustainable workloads for servicing writers effectively.
- Language addressing the impact of extreme weather and climate change.
- Professional development resources for growth.
- Pay increases ensuring living wages aligned with industry standards.
- A strong wage scale to reward dedication among WGAW members.
According to the WGSU, 64% of its members earn less than $84,850, which is below the low-income threshold for a single-person household in Los Angeles County.
Current Stance of WGA West
The WGA West clarified that it has been negotiating in good faith, providing ample proposals that include various protections and improvements in compensation. The union also expressed concern that the staff’s proposal on AI might restrict the organization’s ability to leverage new technologies for evaluations.
Compensation Differences
A comparison document released by WGA West detailed salary proposals:
| Aspect | WGSU Proposal | WGA West Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Annual Salary | $59,737 | $55,000 |
WGA West plans to continue its negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on March 16, 2023, with major discussions anticipated before the existing contract expires on May 1.
Staff Union’s Role and Future Outlook
The staff union encompasses various roles, including attorneys, research analysts, and software engineers. The leadership supports the staff’s right to collective action while emphasizing their focus on ongoing negotiations with management.
As the situation evolves, both the staff and the WGA West recognize the importance of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement while ensuring the functionality of the union continues smoothly.