WGA West Reaches a Deal to End Staff Union Strike

The Writers Guild of America West has reached a tentative deal with its staff union to end a lengthy strike, which became an unwanted distraction during negotiations with the major studios.

“After nearly three months of strength, unity, and resolve, WGSU members were able to secure seniority provisions in layoffs and a no-strike clause that both parties agree protects concerted activity,” the Writers Guild Staff Union said in a statement.

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The WGSU went on strike on Feb. 17, accusing union management of failing to bargain in good faith.

The staff union — which represents about 110 WGA West employees — was seeking higher wages and “just cause” protections in the employee discipline process. Staffers picketed for weeks outside the union’s headquarters at Fairfax Avenue and 3rd Street.

When the WGA began talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on March 16, the staffers picketed outside the building, sometimes blocking members of the WGA negotiating committee from entering and exiting the parking garage.

Ellen Stutzman, the WGA West executive director, told members on March 13 that the staffers had rejected a “full, robust” proposal that included many of their key demands.

“It is always a union’s right to decide when to take a deal or how long to strike,” she said at the time. She added that during the AMPTP talks, “we will turn our full attention to the Guild’s most important function for its membership, negotiating the MBA.”

The WGA reached a deal with the AMPTP on April 4, but the staff remained on strike.

The WGSU argued that 64% of its members make less than $84,850 a year. The members also alleged that they had been subject to arbitrary discipline and favoritism in recent years. The union formed in April 2025, and has been bargaining on its first contract since September.

The strike forced the cancellation of the union’s awards show on March 8 in downtown Los Angeles, though the New York show went ahead as planned. The WGA West headquarters and library have also been closed, and screenings at the Writers Guild Theater have been canceled.