A staff strike at the Writers Guild of America West could lead to the cancellation of the union’s annual awards ceremony next month, according to a Tuesday night post from the staff union.
WGAW management met with the staff union on Sunday night as both sides sought to resolve the week-long staff strike. However, the employee union said that while there has been movement on some issues, not enough progress has been made.
“Management is not ready for the moment yet,” Dylan Holmes, co-chair of the Writers Guild Employees Bargaining Committee, said during Tuesday’s picketing. “They don’t want us on this picket line, and they’re trying to figure out a way to get us out of it. But they’re still not willing to negotiate in good faith with us to get there.”
WGSU posted Tuesday night that union leaders “have told us they will no longer negotiate with us.” According to the post, management said if WGSU does not accept the latest offer by Friday, the Writers Guild Awards will be canceled.
“Make no mistake about it. This is an attempt by WGAW management to drive a wedge between union staff and WGA members at a time when unity needs to be built before (negotiations with the studios),” the post said.
WGSU went on strike on February 17, accusing union leadership of failing to seriously address staff concerns. The staff union, which represents about 100 guild employees, claims wages are too low and workers are subject to unfair promotions and disciplinary action. According to publicly available data, many WGAW employees earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually.
WGA management denied the allegations of bad faith negotiations and said it would continue to work with staff toward a resolution. The two sides met Sunday night at the International Port and Warehousing Association Hall in San Pedro, as WGAW management sought a “neutral” location.
Another meeting is scheduled for as early as Tuesday night. But WGSU said in a post that management instead suggested a phone call and an ultimatum.
The Writers Guild Awards will be held on March 8th at the JW Marriott Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Staff typically work at events alongside event production staff. If you are on strike, there may be concerns among members about crossing the picket line.
On Tuesday morning, dozens of WGA members joined staff in picketing outside the union’s headquarters at Fairfax Street and Third Avenue.
“It’s so hypocritical and frankly embarrassing that a union that is always on the front lines trying to get a good deal for its members wouldn’t do the same for its own staff,” said Joe Russo, an author who served as an assistant lot coordinator during the 2023 WGA strike. “I don’t think it looks good.”
WGSU was formed last April and is working toward securing its first contract. Last August, the union filed an unfair labor practice lawsuit alleging that the WGA fired union employees for their union activities. During Tuesday’s picket, WGA staff and members held signs holding the guild’s executive director, Ellen Stutzman, accountable for the ULP allegations.
“Come on guys, this is embarrassing,” one sign read. Another was, “I thought we were on the same team.”
The WGA will meet with the Motion Picture and Television Producers Alliance on March 16 to begin negotiating a new contract on behalf of the screenwriter. The WGA says negotiations will continue despite staff going on strike.
“I don’t like that we’re essentially negotiating on two fronts,” Russo said. “So it would be great if we could solve this problem and get everything sorted out and stop airing our dirty laundry and focus on deals for our members, because at the end of the day it helps our staff as well.”
Updated Tuesday night with management warning of cancellation of the Writers Guild Awards.
