The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) staff strike has extended into its second week, marking a critical period for both the union's internal operations and its broader industry negotiations. While discussions have taken place between WGA management and the striking staff, a complete resolution remains elusive. The staff union emphasizes that despite some movement on certain points, significant concerns regarding fair compensation and equitable labor practices persist.
WGA Staff Strike Enters Second Week Amidst Ongoing Discussions
As of February 24, 2026, the Writers Guild of America West staff strike has entered its second week, highlighting an internal dispute between the union's management and its approximately 100 employees. On Sunday night, February 22, 2026, management representatives of the WGAW met with the striking staff union at the International Longshore and Warehouse Union hall in San Pedro. The meeting, held at a neutral location, aimed to address the grievances that led to the staff's walkout on February 17, 2026.
Dylan Holmes, co-chair of the Writers Guild Staff Union (WGSU) bargaining committee, stated during picketing on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, that while management is eager to end the strike, they have not yet demonstrated a willingness to bargain in good faith to meet the staff's demands. The WGSU, formed in April of the previous year, is striving to secure its inaugural contract. Key issues include allegations of excessively low wages, particularly given that many employees earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, and concerns over unfair promotion and disciplinary procedures.
Adding to the tension, the WGSU filed an unfair labor practices complaint in August of the previous year, accusing the WGA of terminating a staffer for their union activities. On Tuesday morning, a few dozen WGA members joined the striking staff outside the union's headquarters at Fairfax Avenue and 3rd Street in a show of solidarity. Writer Joe Russo, who served as an assistant lot coordinator during the 2023 WGA strike, criticized the situation, deeming it "hypocritical and embarrassing" for a union that champions fair deals for its members to not extend the same courtesy to its own staff.
The ongoing strike also casts a shadow over the upcoming WGA Awards, scheduled for March 8 at the J.W. Marriott hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Staff members typically play a crucial role in organizing this event, and their continued strike could lead to members expressing discomfort about crossing picket lines. Furthermore, the WGA is slated to commence contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on March 16. Despite the internal strife, the WGA has indicated that these critical negotiations on behalf of writers will proceed as planned.
This internal conflict within the WGA underscores a broader challenge faced by labor organizations: the imperative to uphold their own founding principles of fair labor and worker protection. The situation serves as a stark reminder that the fight for equitable treatment often begins at home. For the WGA, resolving this staff dispute swiftly and fairly is not only crucial for its operational integrity but also for maintaining its credibility as it prepares to advocate for its larger membership in forthcoming industry negotiations.