Rules Set for Writer’s Strike

 While the strike itself is still not officially in play, this week we've seen the Writers’ Guild of America release the rules for the looming strike action that may hit the table when their current contract expires this week. Brandon Blake, entertainment attorney with Blake & Wang P.A, summarizes what we can expect if a last minute deal isn’t reached shortly.

Brandon Blake

Solid Support

98% of WGA members stand behind a strike authorization if a deal cannot be reached, so it is very worth knowing what can be expected. Additionally, the potential strike action has the backing of both SAG-AFTRA and the DGA.

During the potential strike, writers will be banned from writing, pitching, revising, or discussing future work with companies which are members of the AMPTP. If they do not adhere to this work block, the Guild has the right to undertake disciplinary action against them. Hyphenates, or writers who perform other roles for a company in addition to writing, are also being told to refrain from any writing-based duties, although they can continue with non-writing-related work. While the WGA has no authority to block non-union workers or discipline them for strikebreaking, they have warned that any scab writers will be blocked from future Guild membership and asked that they stand in solidarity with the potential strike action.

The Strike Rules We Know

The rules as outlined include a restriction on attending meetings around new and future projects in addition to existing ones, writing podcast material for struck companies, and a halt to negotiations from literary reps on behalf of writers. Writers will be expected to picket as asked unless they have a medical or personal circumstance exemption, and have been cautioned against undertaking negotiations with a struck company in their personal capacity. Additionally, writers will be expected to ask for a return of any spec scripts in the possession of a struck company.

For animation projects, the ground is murkier. While some unionized projects fall under the WGA banner, others are under the auspices of The Animation Guild. For these projects, writers are advised to consult with the WGA for further advice.

While it would be fantastic news to hear that a settlement has been reached without the need for strike action, as the deadline looms this week it's worth keeping these terms and rules in mind. For now, we can only wait and see what develops.