Writers Guild of America West Faces Possible Strike by Its Own Employees

The staff union representing employees of the Writers Guild of America West has voted to authorize a strike, raising the possibility of an internal labor dispute within one of Hollywood’s most powerful unions.

On Thursday, the Writers Guild Staff Union announced that 82 percent of participating members voted in favor of strike authorization. About 100 staffers took part in the vote. The decision allows union leaders to call a strike if negotiations over a first contract continue to stall.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the staff union warned that if management does not negotiate in good faith, workers are prepared to take action. “If management won’t bargain in good faith with us at the table, we will see them on the picket line,” the post said.

A strike authorization does not automatically mean a strike will happen. It gives union leadership the option to call one if talks break down further.

The WGA West rejected claims that it has bargained in bad faith. In a statement, the union said it has made “comprehensive proposals” that include protections for workers and improvements to pay and benefits.

“Public claims suggesting otherwise are inaccurate, and allegations of unfair labor practices are without merit,” the WGA West said. The organization added that it respects employees’ rights to collective action and hopes to reach a contract agreement soon.

The staff union says negotiations for its first contract began in September 2025 and have made little progress. According to a public flier, staff members are seeking basic workplace protections, including a grievance process, safeguards around artificial intelligence, and wage increases.

“At this point in negotiations, we should be in alignment on these issues,” the flier stated. It accused management of attempting to maintain near-total control over wages and working conditions and engaging in surface bargaining without intent to reach a fair deal.

The dispute comes at a sensitive time for the WGA. The union’s east and west coast branches are expected to begin talks with Hollywood studios and streaming companies on March 16, marking the first negotiations since the 148-day writers strike in 2023. The months leading up to those talks are typically used for internal planning and strategy.

Some volunteer WGA captains, who help relay union messaging to members, publicly expressed support for the staff union in comments on Instagram. The captain system played a major role during the 2023 strike.

The Writers Guild Staff Union is affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Staff Union. It was voluntarily recognized by WGA West management after a card count showed majority support in April 2025.