Writers Guild West Staffers Launch Their Own Unionization Drive (Exclusive)

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Approximately two years ago, the Writers Guild of America initiated a significant 148-day strike that brought the entire scriptwriting sector to a halt, transformed city streets in Los Angeles into picket lines, and ultimately forced executives to engage in negotiations.

During the protest, many ordinary writers stood on the picket line and ultimately approved the contract ending the strike. However, a significant part of the drama surrounding this work stoppage was also orchestrated by the internal union workers in various departments such as member organizing, legal teams, and more.

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The rank-and-file writers were the ones who stood on the picket line and eventually accepted the contract that ended the strike. But behind the scenes, much of the turmoil during this work stoppage was driven by union staffers in departments like member organizing, legal teams, and others.

OR

The rank-and-file writers were the ones who stood on the picket line and ultimately approved the contract that ended the strike. However, a significant portion of the conflict during this work stoppage was also fueled by union staff members working in departments such as member organizing, legal teams, and more.

OR

The protest saw many rank-and-file writers standing on the picket line until they approved the contract ending the strike. However, a significant amount of the drama surrounding this work stoppage was facilitated by union staff members in various departments like member organizing, legal teams (among others).

OR

While ordinary writers stood on the picket line and eventually agreed to the contract that ended the strike, much of the tension during this work stoppage was also instigated by union employees working in areas such as member organizing, legal departments, and more.

As a passionate fan, I’m thrilled to share that several staff members are now taking steps to assert their voices within their own workplace by attempting to unionize. Exciting news! The employees at WGA West are initiating an endeavor to affiliate with the Pacific Northwest Staff Union, a renowned organization that champions workers in the labor movement. This development has been reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

The team expressed their desire for an environment where everyone’s opinions matter, efforts are recognized, and job security is ensured through a collective contract. They feel that unionization will foster unity between staff and administration, helping us all work towards our common objective: advancing and safeguarding the profession of film and television writing.

The organizers aim to incorporate over 110 employees from various departments such as contracts, finance, research, and public policy, along with those stationed at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, into their group.

As a dedicated gamer here, I’m part of a team that’s been pushing for union recognition, but if it doesn’t happen spontaneously, we’re ready to take it to the next level by filing for an election with the National Labor Relations Board. We believe we have the backing of a significant majority of our colleagues, as evidenced by the union cards many of us have signed. I’ve reached out to the WGA West for their perspective on this matter.

If their endeavor is fruitful, members of WGA West will become part of the union workforce (WGA East employees are already under the representation of United Steelworkers). Similarly, staffers associated with SAG-AFTRA, Actors’ Equity, and various IATSE Locals are currently represented by OPEIU Local 537.

The Pacific Northwest Staff Union serves as a representative for employees working within the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, various SEIU Local Unions, and the SEIU International Union.

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2025-04-23 00:24