Writers Guild East Members Ratify First Union Contract at Story Syndicate (Exclusive)

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Workers in the non-fiction entertainment field, who are part of the Writers Guild of America East, have approved their first union contract with renowned documentary producer, Story Syndicate.

Approximately 30 Story Syndicate team members who are part of WGA East, primarily producers among them, all agreed to approve the deal following its negotiation on June 6th.

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On June 6th, a deal was reached, and it was unanimously supported by around 30 Story Syndicate employees who are members of WGA East, most of whom are producers.

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Around 30 Story Syndicate workers from the WGA East, with many being producers, gave their unanimous green light to a deal that was struck on June 6th.

Established in 2019, Story Syndicate – a production company helmed by the creative pair Liz Garbus and Dan Cogan (a married duo) – has risen to prominence as a key player in creating high-quality documentary series for streaming platforms. Their portfolio includes Netflix’s Icarus and Britney vs Spears, Hulu’s Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence. The latest addition to their roster is Titan: The Oceangate Scandal, which made its debut on Netflix on June 11.

Garbus and Cogan described the company’s first WGA contract as a mutually beneficial agreement. They explained that this deal provides access to portable healthcare for freelancers, along with numerous other provisions that prioritize the well-being of workers. Simultaneously, they emphasized that this contract aligns with the existing market realities, allowing them to maintain competitiveness in budgeting their productions.

This contract grants employees access to the entertainment industry’s “Flex Plan,” a perk that freelancers can carry over from one job to another. It also sets minimum wage rates, ensures annual salary increases, and guarantees rest periods of either nine hours for exempt workers or 10 hours for non-exempt staff members. Overtime pay is provided if an employee works a seventh day in a week, and partial payment is given if they are informed about a “dark day” – a production break – less than a week before it occurs.

The contract gives us access to the Flex Plan for entertainment jobs, sets minimum wages, offers annual pay raises, and provides rest periods of 9 or 10 hours depending on our job category. If we work a seventh day in a week, we get overtime pay, and if they tell us about a break in production (dark day) less than a week before, we still get some payment.

The agreement also includes paid time off for vacations, bereavement, and illness, as well as paid holidays, and a two-week paid parental leave, in addition to other benefits.

In August 2023, the Story Syndicate willingly acknowledged or chose to collaborate with the union, without needing to go through a formal National Labor Relations Board election. Simultaneously, the company recognized a union of postproduction workers who aimed to affiliate with the Motion Picture Editors Guild, which is an IATSE Local.

Despite reaching a deal with WGA East within two years, the Editors Guild continues to have disputes with Story Syndicate regarding their discussions. In early June, postproduction workers staged protests during the premiere of the Titan documentary, accusing delays and backtracking in negotiations. At this time, the Editors Guild has a pending unfair labor practice charge against the company with the National Labor Relations Board.

In their statement regarding the deal, the negotiating team from the Story Syndicate expressed optimism that it could establish important benchmarks within the nonfiction TV/film sector. They also made clear their support for their colleagues at Motion Picture Editors Guild IATSE Local 700 (MPEG), who are currently engaged in contract negotiations with Story Syndicate.

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2025-06-24 17:24