Writers Guild of America West Staff Wins Union Recognition With 81% Support
The staff of the Writers Guild of America West has won voluntary recognition for its new bargaining unit, after more than 81% signed cards in support.
The 110 employees of the WGA West will be represented in bargaining by the Pacific Northwest Staff Union. The leadership of the WGA West chose to recognize the union through a card-check process rather than forcing a vote.
“We have an agreement on our first demand, and we’re excited to take this important step towards having a voice in improving our workplace and organizing without fear of retaliation,” said Doug MacIsaac, a WGA operations coordinator, in a written statement. “We’re happy to be able to advocate for ourselves and look forward to negotiating our first collective bargaining agreement.”
The union will cover workers across the guild, including in departments handling residuals, contracts, communications, research and the WGA theater.
The Pacific Northwest Staff Union represents employees of the L.A. County Federation of Labor and of several chapters of the Service Employees International Union, among other union staff. In 2022, the union led a 12-day strike against SEIU Local 2015, which is based in Los Angeles and represents long-term care workers.
Genevieve Gonsal, a WGA contracts coordinator, said in the statement that she will mark 25 years with the guild on May 1, “and what a journey it has been!”
“I am honored to be a part of the historic formation of the WGSU and excited for all the possibilities ahead,” she said. “Here’s to solidarity, progress, and the next chapter!”
WGA East employees are already represented, as are employees of SAG-AFTRA.
