Writers Guild of America (WGA), Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) & the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) Updates
Currently, both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) are on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP). For the first time in 63 years, Hollywood has a double strike that is affecting productions across the nation. While the situation remains fluid, it impacts our members working in film and television. Below you will find FAQs about the strike, your rights as a USA 829 member, and ways in which you can support your WGA and SAG colleagues.
For those of us who have been affected by the ongoing strikes, please know that there are resources and support available to assist and provide you relief if needed, including the Local USA 829 Member Relief Fund. Please visit here to learn more and access these resources.
In addition to the information below, you will find the IATSE's guidance to IA members regarding thier rights as a union member during any ongoing job action initated by another union.
The Writers Guild of America is on strike, what does that mean for me?
Neither the IATSE nor Local USA 829 will be on strike. You should plan to show up for work or check with your supervisor to find out if you should report to work.
How can I show my support for my WGA colleagues?
As you may have read, we support our WGA colleagues in their ongoing fight for a fair contract. However, because our union has agreements in place with the AMPTP and Network Employers that contain a “No Strike” clause, you as an individual must make the personal choice as to whether or not you will support the strike by honoring a lawful picket line. Know that if you honor a picket line, you may be temporarily replaced with workers who are willing to cross the line.
IMPORTANT: If you choose to exercise your individual rights and participate in concerted activity by honoring a WGA Picket Line, be sure to inform you employer (in writing) that you are “exercising your legal right to participate in concerted activity and are honoring the picket line and withholding your services in support of the WGA strike.” Be sure to copy the business office (Mopic@usa829.org) on any such email to your employer.
What should I do if I show up to work and there is a picket line outside?
You should still plan on reporting to work and heed the guidance of your employer. Now that a strike has been called, make sure to get in touch with your supervisor right away to find out what is happening at your job site. Make sure to keep your Business Representatives informed as well (Mopic@usa829.org).
IMPORTANT: If you choose to exercise your individual rights and participate in concerted activity by honoring a WGA Picket Line, be sure to inform you employer (in writing) that you are “exercising your legal right to participate in concerted activity and are honoring the picket line and withholding your services in support of the WGA strike.” Be sure to copy the business office (Mopic@usa829.org) on any such email to your employer.
If a picket line forms and shuts down my production, do I have to stay on the job in case the picket line dissipates?
If you are informed that work is wrapping due to a WGA picket line, stay onsite until you have confirmation from your employer (such as your UPM) that you have in fact wrapped for the day. If you are instructed by your employer to remain on site so that you are available to resume work should the picket line disperse, follow the instructions of your employer and inform the Business Office.
All Department Heads should specifically get confirmation from the UPM about the status of the production and contact the Business Office (email MOPIC@USA829.org). Remember, your employer is your UPM, Line Producer, or Production Supervisor, not your Designer, Charge Artist, or Department Head.
If a production pauses, folds, or holds, what about our personal computers, equipment, and kit rentals?
Remember: Your employer is responsible for returning your kit or equipment; therefore, ask for guidance from your UPM or Producer. Be prepared for any event, and review your kit inventory, tidy and secure items, and take photos of any equipment that will initially remain at the production’s facility until you and your employer have made arrangements.
What if I am on a distant location and the production folds or pauses?
Your employer is legally required to arrange and pay for you and your equipment to return home. The employer is responsible for any contractual housing and per diem until they make travel arrangements. You will need to take the return trip offered, as they will not be required to continue housing and per diem if you refuse the offer. If your employer refuses to travel you home, contact the Motion Picture Department Business Representatives (Mopic@usa829.org).
What if I work remotely and there is a picket line on the job’s physical site?
Remember that USA 829 is not on strike and it is your individual choice and right to participate in concerted activity by honoring a WGA picket line and withholding services. The National Labor Relations Board has not yet addressed how and when remote workers may honor a picket line at a worker’s physical site and has not made clear if a remote worker would be protected. Due to this uncertainty, workers who are remote and not physically presented with a picket line may not be protected and therefore, should continue to work as directed by their employer. However, if you choose to withhold services as a remote worker, your employer must be made aware that you are choosing not to work because of the WGA strike and picket line. You should copy the Local on an email (Mopic@usa829.org).
What is a neutral gate? What is a reserved gate? Which do I use?
The reserved gate is the entrance targeted for a picket line as it represents the entrance to the struck employer. This is the gate that you—as a member of Local USA 829—will use if you’re working on that picketed or struck production. All suppliers, vendors, and customers, and other employees of the struck employer must also use the reserved gate.
A neutral gate is reserved for the exclusive use of neutral employers and their employees, suppliers, and customers. In particular, this gate represents a neutral space so that neutral employers who are not associated with the strike, as well as their employees, suppliers, and customers, can continue to enter and leave the premises to get to their own work or location (which is especially relevant at a facility that contains multiple employers).
Briefly: What are quick do’s and don’ts of picketing? What can I wear? What can my sign say?
Firstly, remember that Local USA 829 is not on strike, and it is your individual choice and right to participate in concerted activity by honoring a WGA picket line and withholding your services. If you choose to honor a picket line and not work, your employer must be made aware (in writing) that you are choosing not to work because of the WGA strike and picket line. You should copy the Union on an email (Mopic@usa829.org).
If you choose to join a picket line – whether you are refusing to work or doing so in your free time - make sure to check in with the picket captain or WGA representative and abide by any protocols set by the WGA. In many instances, you can sign up ahead of time for pickets. Visit the WGA Contract site here for more information.
You can wear your Local USA 829 swag (shirts, hats, buttons, stickers, etc.) as this is considered free speech. You can also carry a sign (either created by you, the Local, or the WGA), but the word “strike” should not appear on your picket sign and the Local USA 829 logo should not appear on your picket sign. To be clear: If you use a sign provided by the WGA, it should not contain the words "on strike." Remember, USA 829 is not on strike against any AMPTP employer.
You are certainly encouraged to make your own signs! You can say, “I Support” or “I Stand With” or anything creative and witty so long as the word “strike” and the Local USA 829 logo do not appear. You can always check in with the Business Office (email MOPIC@USA829.org) with your ideas for a sign if you’re unsure!
Interested in picking up Local USA 829 swag?
Great! Email Assistant to the National Business Agent Eric Bayley (nbaasst@usa829.org) and MOPIC Data Coordinator Anna Galka (mopicasst@usa829.org) to coordinate in-office pick up. The USA 829 office is open Monday-Friday from 9 AM - 5 PM ET.
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits if I honor the WGA picket line in New York and New Jersey?
Yes, you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits in New York and New Jersey 14 days after you lost your employment as a result of honoring the picket line and regardless of the fact that Local USA 829 is not on strike. You can file an unemployment claim with the New York or New Jersey Department of Labor.
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits if I honor the WGA picket line in Massachusetts?
Yes, you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits in MA one week after you lose your employment as a result of honoring the picket line as long as the strike does not cause a substantial curtailment of employer operations, and regardless of the fact that USA Local 829 is not on strike. You can file an unemployment claim with the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance)
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits if I honor the WGA picket line in Rhode Island?
No, you are not eligible to receive unemployment benefits in Rhode Island if you are out of work as a result of honoring the picket line. However, if you are unemployed one week after the conclusion of the strike, and otherwise satisfy the criteria for benefits, you may be eligible for the receipt of unemployment benefits. Under those circumstances, you can file an unemployment claim with the State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (https://dlt.ri.gov/individuals/unemployment-insurance/apply-unemployment-benefits)
In this unusually precarious moment for our industry—a moment in which collective action and cooperation can shift the dynamics and conditions for all in entertainment for the better—it is you and your families who may be feeling the impact. And while we know that the fight for equity and value on the job is worthwhile and necessary, enduring contract fights affect all in our community.
For those of us who have been affected by the ongoing strikes, please know that there are resources and support available to assist and provide you relief if needed, including the Local USA 829 Member Relief Fund. Please visit here to learn more and access these resources.
The following list of potential picket locations is culled from Deadline and subject to change. This list does not include times or any specific detail to indicate when and what order a picket may occur. If you see a picket happening, please let the Business Office know right away; email Mopic@usa829.org.
WGA: You will find up-to-date picket schedules and locations as they are updated by the WGA here.
SAG-AFTRA: You will find up-to-date picket schedules and locations as they are updated by SAG here.
Deadline | SAG-AFTRA “Remains Ready At A Moment’s Notice” To Resume Bargaining With AMPTP To End Its Strike | Aug. 28, 2023
The Washington Post | Hollywood writers are still on strike. Here’s where WGA, studios stand | Aug. 27, 2023
Deadline | AMPTP Brings DC Crisis PR Firm On Board As Studios Seek To Reset Strike Messaging | Aug. 25, 2023
CNBC | Hollywood producers take heated negotiations with writers union public, revealing latest offer | Aug. 23, 2023
The New York Times | Actors and Hollywood Studios 'Remain Far Apart' on Crucial Issues | July 18, 2023
Vox | Hollywood’s historic double strike, explained | July 13, 2023
The New York Times | Hollywood Shutdown Looms as Actors Say Contract Talks Have Collapsed | July 13, 2023
Deadline | Netflix Shareholders Decline To Back Executive Compensation Packages After WGA Urged Rejection Of “Inappropriate” Pay During Strike | June 1, 2023
Deadline | WGA, Saying “Era Of Divide & Conquer Is Over,” Accuses AMPTP Of “Gaslighting” Union Members & Telling A “Lie” About The Breakdown Of Contract Talks | June 1, 2023
Deadline | How A WGA Hit Squad Is Shutting Down Hollywood One Shoot At A Time | May 9, 2023
CNN | Hollywood writers to go on strike, bringing production on many television shows to a halt | May 2, 2023
NPR | Writers Guild of America goes on strike | May 2, 2023
Vulture | The 2023 WGA Strike for Dummies | May 2, 2023
Daily Beast | WGA Strike Explained: Hollywood Writers Strike for First Time in 15 Years | May 2, 2023
Deadline | WGA East Will Picket TV Upfronts In The Event Of Writers Strike | May 1, 2023
The Atlantic | Why Hollywood Writers Might Go on Strike | April 28, 2023
Deadline | WGA Answers Frequently Asked Questions About Potential Strike | April 25, 2023
You can stay up-to-date with the WGA via its website and social media.
Writers Guild of America, West:
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok
Writers Guild of America, East:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Writers Guild On Strike! Social Media Toolkit
Contract Bulletins
SAG-AFTRA Approved Production List
SAG-AFTRA Strike Notice
SAG President Fran Drescher TV/Theatrical/Streaming Strike Press Conference Speech
You can stay up-to-date with SAG-AFTRA via its website and social media.
Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook
Solidairty with SAG! Social Media Toolkit
Get Involved: Ways to Volunteer
Contract Bulletins
We have swag and signs on hand! Email Assistant to the National Business Agent Eric Bayley (nbaasst@usa829.org) and MOPIC Data Coordinator Anna Galka (mopicasst@usa829.org) to coordinate in-office pick up. The Local USA 829 New York office is located at 29 West 38th Street, 15th Floor, NY, NY 10018.
If you're interested in printing your own signs, feel free to download and use any of the signs below:
Download the above signs here.