Michele Mulroney was elected president of the Writers Guild in the American West with the vow to protect the writer’s health plan and push back “free jobs.”
Mulroney, who served as the union’s vice president, was not opposed because of the union’s best work. She takes over Meredith Steam.
Travis Donnelly was elected Vice President and Peter Murrieta was elected Executive Director.
Eight other members have been elected to the board: Molly Nussbaum, Mike Royce, Maggie Levin, Rob Forman, Adam Conover, Matt Ross, Miles Warden and Marguerite McInteel. No. 9 finisher Cathryn Humphris was elected for a one-year term to replace Donnelly.
The WGA is planning to negotiate a contract with a major studio for the first time since the 148-day strike in 2023. In a candidate’s statement, Mulroney said that health plans will become a “headline issue” in these talks, not the focus since 2017.
“Since then, the rapid rise in healthcare costs and lower contributions to planning due to industry contraction means that our members need to move wisely to continue to provide the high levels of care and benefits that they have fought safely,” she writes.
Mulroney is a film writer who has long worked on the issue of “free work.” It is a practice of requiring multiple drafts before a “first draft” is submitted. The union made progress on its front in 2023, ensuring a “second phase” paid for writers below income thresholds.
In a candidate’s statement, Mulroney said the issue of “free jobs” has shifted to television and the issue needs to be addressed.
An alliance of film and television producers negotiating on behalf of the studio congratulated Mulroney in her election.
“We look forward to working closely with President Mulroney to address key issues for WGA writers and strengthening the industry with fair and balanced solutions,” said an AMPTP spokesman.
The union said 2,567 votes have been voted.
