Overview
- The Writers Guild Staff Union said 82 of 100 participating members voted to authorize a strike, with no start date set.
- Staff accuse WGA West management of surface bargaining, unilateral changes, retaliation, and unlawful surveillance, and they have a pending unfair labor practice charge tied to an alleged unlawful firing.
- WGA West denies any violations, says it has bargained in good faith, and released proposals including a $55,000 minimum salary versus the union’s $59,737 ask.
- Management says it does not intend to use generative AI and offered paid training if that changes, while staff seek explicit prohibitions and broader safeguards.
- The authorization comes as WGA prepares to open AMPTP talks on March 16 before the May 1 contract expiration, with the guild stating core operations and negotiations will continue even if staff strike.