Last night, single individuals gathered at WGA membership meetings on both coasts to discuss upcoming contract negotiations, which begin on March 20.
More than 1,300 WGA West members attended the meeting at the Sheraton Universal in Universal City, and more than 350 attended the WGA East meeting at the School of Visual Arts Theater in New York City. Two WGA West meetings earlier this month attracted more than 1,300 members, bringing the total on both coasts to nearly 3,000 members.
“As a democratic union, meeting with members is an essential part of the WGA negotiation process,” said a WGA West spokesperson.
“It was a very powerful meeting and I think the issues discussed are worth fighting for,” says a WGA East member who attended yesterday’s conclave.
“It was amazing to see so many people come out and stay until the end,” said another.
“I’m very proud of my guild now,” said another.
The next step in this process will be for the WGA to issue their requirement template, which is required by the guild bylaws. The required pattern is a list of general objectives for the negotiations and is formed by member surveys, member interviews and media industry research. According to their charter, the demand pattern is first approved by the negotiating committee, then by the WGA West Council and WGA East Council, and then by a vote of the combined membership of both guilds.
Three years ago, before the WGA’s final negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the requirement pattern included these very general objectives:
- Increase in minimum compensation in all areas.
- Expand new media programs based on MBA minimum.
- Solve problems for writing teams.
- Solve wage inequalities.
- Improve protection against unpaid work.
- Improving residues for reuse markets.
- Increase the contributions to the pension fund and the sickness fund.
- Strengthen protections for screenwriters.
- Strengthening protections for writers of comedy variety shows.
- Strengthen protections for working and pay-per-issue authors.
- Provide paid family vacations for writers.
- Take anti-discrimination measures, including preventing harassment and promoting equal pay.
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
