Writers Guild West Strike Discipline Largely Upheld In Close Member Vote

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Was the decision made by the Writers Guild of America West board of directors, regarding the discipline of members accused of violating the 2023 strike rules, too harsh? Or was their response an appropriate measure against actions that potentially jeopardized the union and its members?

On Thursday, the union’s members exhibited a diverse range of opinions in a vote concerning four penalties. Three out of the four punishments were maintained, with close margins: Julie Bush (745-686), Edward Drake (769-652), and Roma Roth (778-639). However, the penalty for Doyle was reversed, as an alternative action was chosen instead, following a vote of 915 to 557.

Among the seven writers who were reprimanded for supposedly violating WGA’s strike regulations, Bush, Drake, Doyle, and Roth have opted to challenge their penalties. The fates of the remaining three writers who were also disciplined, however, remain unclear.

Previously, the labor union’s board had taken several actions against some of its members who were writers. Drake and Roth were dismissed, while Bush was suspended until 2026 and barred from holding non-elected positions within the guild. Additionally, Doyle faced public reprimand for sharing a socially offensive image on social media that was perceived as racist.

The decision marks an intense phase in the history of a well-known, aggressive guild. In their defense documents, those being charged questioned the ways the union enforces its rules and made allegations that the guild breached its own charter and also violated federal labor regulations.

As a gamer, I’ve been informed by the union leaders that they’ve handed out fair punishments in accordance with the rules. Lately, board members Nicole Yorkin and Rob Forman have been urging us, the union members, to respect these decisions. Rob, in particular, has emphasized that the board has acted justly.

In my viewpoint, I’m urging writers like myself to refuse to entertain the rationalizations put forth by our disciplined peers who are harming our Guild by distancing themselves from their fellow writers during the ongoing strike.

In a separate email to fellow WGA members seeking his guidance, team captain Tyler Ruggeri advocated for upholding the initial disciplinary action taken by the board. He acknowledged that these decisions may seem challenging or awkward, but emphasized that the members in question were found guilty and are exercising their right to an appeal. Meanwhile, he provided updates on other WGA-related matters.

Unions have the ability to decide on the particulars of how they handle internal disciplinary actions, but within certain boundaries. The Landrum Griffin Act, or the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, dictates that unions must present members with clearly written charges in disciplinary cases, allow a reasonable time for defense preparation, and ensure a thorough and impartial hearing process.

In essence, a succession of U.S. Supreme Court rulings has shown that, under the National Labor Relations Act, unions have the right to enforce rules and regulations among their members, including imposing reasonable penalties for breaches, such as working during a strike. This principle, according to James Brudney, a labor and employment law expert at Fordham School of Law, continues to hold true.

In such scenarios, unions frequently navigate a delicate balance: they strive not to displease their own members by imposing penalties that might seem too severe, while at the same time safeguarding their causes. If a substantial number of members violate strike regulations or ignore picket lines, the union’s ability to influence employers during contract negotiations and enforcement could significantly weaken.

In general, unions tend to avoid excessive actions, but they do have a great deal of freedom, according to Robert Bruno, professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Labor and Employment Relations. It’s essential to understand that a union is a private organization, not a government entity.

During the appeals phase, it was discovered that the union may have manipulated the process. A letter penned by the head of a trial committee in Roth’s case surfaced, accusing a guild lawyer of unfairly influencing the committee’s decision regarding appropriate punishment. The chair, ex-public defender Jill Goldsmith, stepped down from the committee as a result.

As a passionate fan, I’d like to share an interesting perspective on Doyle’s case that emerged from one anonymous member of his trial committee. This individual asserted that the WGA West board, along with their union lawyer, intentionally distorted and used certain provisions of our Constitution as a weapon against a fellow guild member, not just for justice, but to deliver a message and impose punishment.

Bush has brought up the recent alteration in the WGA West board’s disciplinary appeals process. In a letter to the WGA West board, dated April 30th, he requested a gathering of all members, as this is allowed by the union’s constitution and serves as a platform for appeals. Previously, the board had established new rules for appeals that allow for online voting. “If these issues aren’t addressed promptly, I have the option to escalate them to the Department of Labor,” Bush warned.

In response to her appeal, Sean Graham, general counsel of Writers Guild West, rejected her request, stating that the board had implemented the new procedures as a necessary step. He explained that it would not be feasible to convene an annual membership meeting to address the appeals because achieving a quorum (10% of current active members, approximately 1,100 members) is difficult due to attendance issues. At the most recent membership gathering in 2019, he pointed out, fewer than 30 individuals were present. Consequently, an online vote was arranged to accommodate a greater number of participants.

Prior to the start of the appeals voting, which took place on May 6, relevant documents were made accessible to members. This move illuminated a typically secretive procedure that notable individuals such as Jay Leno and Joan Rivers had gone through in the past.

Given the circumstances, the timing of the vote carries weight since the Writers Guild of America is approximately one year from resuming negotiations with major film studios and streaming platforms. Their aim is to maintain solidarity among members, ensuring they remain active, involved, and united, so they can present a powerful stance to their employers in 2026.

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2025-05-10 01:54