WGA West Staffers Launch Union Drive at PNW Staff Union

SOURCE – THR

Nearly two years after the landmark 148-day Writers Guild of America strike, employees of WGA West are launching their own union drive to secure a formal voice in the workplace.

Over 110 staffers—ranging from contracts, finance, and legal departments to research & public policy—have signaled support to join the Pacific Northwest Staff Union, marking a new chapter in Hollywood labor organizing.

1. Why Staffers Are Organizing

Behind every strike, there’s an army of internal staffers who keep the union running. These employees helped facilitate the historic 2023 WGA walkout, yet they lack the collective bargaining rights that protect rank-and-file writers. As one organizer put it:

“We envision a workplace where our voices are heard, our work is valued and our jobs are protected by a collective bargaining agreement.”

By unionizing, they hope to ensure that their contributions are recognized and that they have a seat at the table.

2. The Choice of the Pacific Northwest Staff Union

Instead of forming a brand-new bargaining unit, WGA West staffers launch union drive by seeking affiliation with the Pacific Northwest Staff Union, a chapter of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

This union already represents staff at the LA County Federation of Labor and several SEIU locals. Organizers believe that PNW Staff Union’s experience will help expedite voluntary recognition and, if necessary, streamline an NLRB election.

3. Scope of the Drive

Organizers aim to represent more than 110 WGA West employees:

Contracts Department
Finance and Accounting
Research & Public Policy
Member Organizing and Legal Teams
Writers Guild Theater Staff

A reported supermajority has signed union cards, indicating broad backing. If recognized, WGA West staff will join WGA East employees—already represented by the United Steelworkers—in having collective bargaining power.

4. Requested Recognition and Next Steps

The group submitted a formal request for voluntary recognition to WGA West management. Should that request be denied or stall, organizers plan to file for an NLRB election. “We believe that unionizing will bring staff and management together in our shared goal of supporting and protecting film and television writers,” they stated, emphasizing collaboration rather than conflict.

5. How This Fits into Hollywood’s Labor Landscape

The entertainment industry has a complex patchwork of union representation:

WGA East staffers under United Steelworkers
SAG-AFTRA, Actors’ Equity, and several IATSE locals under OPEIU Local 537
Now, WGA West staffers launch union drive with PNW Staff Union

This move highlights a growing trend: even those who facilitate major union actions are seeking the same protections they help enforce.

6. Potential Benefits of Unionization

Through a collective bargaining agreement, staffers hope to secure:

Job security provisions and clear grievance processes
Fair compensation and benefits adjustments
Transparent promotion and job-classification guidelines
Stronger protections against arbitrary layoffs

By codifying workplace standards, employees aim to improve retention and morale, ensuring that WGA West can continue its mission without internal disruptions.

7. Management’s Role and Response

While WGA West leadership has yet to publicly comment, union organizers express optimism. “We are confident management will recognize our drive, just as other Hollywood unions have embraced staff representation,” said a lead organizer. The outcome will hinge on whether voluntary recognition is granted or if staffers must pursue an NLRB-administered vote.

Broader Implications for Hollywood

If successful, WGA West staffers launch union drive could inspire other behind-the-scenes workers—such as those at agencies or studios—to seek union status. As Hollywood adapts to streaming disruptions, stable labor agreements for all roles become crucial. This drive underscores that the push for unionization extends beyond creative talent to every link in the production chain.

What Comes Next

Voluntary Recognition: Await WGA West’s decision in coming weeks.
NLRB Filing: If denied, organizers will file for a formal election.
Bargaining Preparations: Staffers will draft proposals for contract language.
Continued Solidarity: Writers and other Hollywood unions have pledged support.

Regardless of the mechanism, WGA West staffers launch union drive stands as a testament to the ongoing quest for workplace fairness in Tinseltown.