Republished from Faith Myhra’s Substack. Subscribe here!
How Writers Guild Staff Union is Standing Strong Amid Management’s Divisive Narratives
The staff who work for the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) have been on strike for 37 days, not against Hollywood studios, but against their own union management. The Writers Guild Staff Union (WGSU) is demanding fair wages, protections, and meaningful collective bargaining after years of workplace inequities. (Deadline)
Once celebrated as a hero of the 2023 strike, WGAW Executive Director Ellen Stutzman now finds herself cast in the opposite role. Using the same divisive tactics she once fought against studios for, messaging that blames workers, sows internal conflict, and deflects responsibility, Stutzman has pushed a narrative to members that the striking staff are the problem, including framing the union striking staff at falt for managment canceling of the annual writers awards ceremony. In a memo to guild members, she defended the leadership’s approach and insisted, “It is always a union’s right to decide when to take a deal or how long to strike,” even as staff continued to press for meaningful contract improvements and protections. This internal messaging risks obscuring the real issues, and encourages union members to see their own union staff as the source of disruption rather than the lack of fair bargaining by management.
That disconnect has extended beyond messaging. In a recent statement, WGSU members described a disturbing incident on the picket line in which a union staffers were threatened with violence while picketing in front of WGAW management, who did nothing to intervene. When the incident was reported to union leadership, the response was reportedly dismissive, telling staff to “take the deal.” For many workers, this moment underscored a deeper issue: a lack of concern from management not just for fair contracts, but for the safety and well-being of the staff themselves.
In the face of a divisive narrative, voices from within the industry have stood up for the striking workers. Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, who had been slated to host the canceled awards show, directly challenged the divisive framing by using her platform to support the staff union. Okatsuka committed to headline a benefit fundraiser for the striking staff, turning what could have been another story about internal conflict into an act of solidarity. As she put it:
“I’m a union girl… We’re only as strong as the people behind the scenes!! We’re one unit, so we must move as such… I’m honored to stand with them.” (Hollywood Reporter)
Similarly, Seth Rogen spoke out publicly, criticizing WGAW leadership for forcing the staff into a strike and emphasizing that the conflict stems from management decisions, not the workers. (Payday Report)
Strikes are about accountability and fairness. At a time when leaders like Donald Trump are working to weaken labor protections (CBS), the stories we’re told matter.
Challenging the stories meant to divide us means questioning narratives that blame workers and pit them against each other and our community. Those stories rob power from the people. Solidarity pushes back.
If you want to support the Writers Guild Staff Union in their fight for fair wages and protections, there are concrete ways to show solidarity. You can help amplify their story, share updates on social media, and contribute to the strike fund to directly assist the workers during this critical moment. Every action counts!