Unity in Action: WGA Staff Fights for Fair Treatment
Workers' Voices: A Stand Against Management
On a recent Wednesday evening, while Writers Guild of America leaders gathered at the Sheraton Universal Hotel to discuss upcoming studio negotiations, their own staff union was making a clear statement. Picket lines formed outside, staffed by WGA West employees who are grappling with their own unresolved labor issues and have authorized a strike. Dylan Holmes, an attorney for the WGA and co-chair of the staff union's bargaining committee, openly criticized management, asserting that the current situation stems from a protective stance taken by leadership.
The Impending Industry-Wide Negotiations and Internal Labor Disputes
The WGA is scheduled to engage in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on March 16, with a contract deadline set for May 1. Concurrently, the staff union, formed last spring under the Pacific Northwest Staff Union, recently voted on January 29 to authorize a strike, underscoring significant internal tensions. WGA leadership has indicated that negotiations with AMPTP would proceed even if staff members strike, noting that essential duties are performed by non-bargaining unit managers. A WGA spokesperson referred to prior statements when asked for comments regarding the picket.
Unresolved Grievances and Leadership's Role
Ellen Stutzman, the executive director of WGA West, is at the forefront of discussions with the striking staff. As of now, no additional bargaining sessions have been scheduled. Speaking from the picket line, WGA staffer Shelly Guzman, an agency coordinator, articulated the staff's motivation to organize due to inconsistent treatment. She emphasized the need for standardized fairness, stating that fluctuating policies based on a supervisor's disposition were unacceptable and that equitable treatment should be a cornerstone of the workplace.
Demands for Fair Compensation and Workplace Protections
The staff union advocates for "just cause" in disciplinary actions and a clear, progressive system for employee discipline. They also highlight concerns over inadequate compensation, revealing that 64% of their members earn less than $84,850 annually. While some view WGA employment as a stepping stone to positions within major studio labor relations departments, many are dedicated to labor advocacy and express frustration over the absence of a seniority-based pay structure.
Accusations of Unfair Labor Practices and Bargaining Impasse
Holmes voiced the union's perspective, asserting that the WGA's compensation rates are excessively low, prompting staff to seek higher-paying roles with comparable responsibilities elsewhere. This issue contributes to high turnover and low morale. Furthermore, the staff union has accused the WGA of violating labor laws, citing an unfair labor practices complaint filed last summer following the dismissal of Fátima Murrieta, an organizing committee member. Since then, two more pro-union staff members have been terminated.
Disparate Views on Progress and Future Negotiations
Contract negotiations, which commenced in September, have been sporadic. The staff union has criticized WGA management for engaging in "surface bargaining" and negotiating in bad faith. Last month, the WGA released a comparison document outlining their bargaining positions, suggesting minimal differences on some points, including a proposed minimum salary increase from $43,000 to $55,000, while the staff union seeks $59,737. However, the staff union's subsequent comparison chart highlighted significant discrepancies, particularly concerning seniority protections and disciplinary protocols.
A Call for Respect and Accountability
Holmes expressed surprise that talks had extended into the AMPTP negotiation period, lamenting the profound disconnect in communication. On the picket line, dozens of WGA staff distributed leaflets to arriving TV and film writers, detailing their struggles with low wages, fear of reprisal, and lack of just cause protections, despite their dedication to improving writers' working conditions. Holmes concluded by characterizing the WGA's response to the strike authorization as disrespectful, comparing their tactics to those of large corporations like Kaiser or Starbucks in dealing with union disputes, expressing profound disappointment that labor leaders would adopt such strategies against their own staff.