Writers' Guild of Great Britain backs US writers' strike in ongoing negotiations

The Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) is urging its members to reject Writers' Guild of America (WGA) work in the event of a strike.

The directive came via WGGB’s executive council this afternoon (12 April) via a motion to support the WGA in its ongoing negotiations with the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers).

In a statement, the WGGB said: “In light of the Writers Guild of America’s ongoing contract negotiations, including the recent announcement of a Strike Authorisation Vote (SAV) from 11-17 April 2023, the WGGB’s Executive Council has supported the following motion: ‘The WGGB support the WGA in their ongoing negotiations. If a strike cannot be avoided, we will advise our membership not to work on projects within the jurisdiction of the WGA for the duration of the strike in line with our IAWG agreements.'”

“We will provide further briefings to members should WGA strike action appear imminent,” the WGGB continued. “In the meantime, if members have questions or concerns, they should contact WGGB Head Office.”

Taking to Twitter, the WGA outlined its reasons for calling for a strike stating: “Over the past decade, the companies embraced business practices that slashed our compensation and undermined our working conditions. We are asking to restore writer pay & conditions to reflect our value to this industry. The survival of our profession is at stake.”

Online ballots opened yesterday (April 11), closing on April 17, with WGA members deciding whether to authorise industrial action.