September 27, 2006

 

GUILD ORGANIZES

WRITERS GUILD EMPLOYEES

 

The Guild earlier this month was elected to represent the staff employees of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), New York Local President Barry Lipton announced.

 

The WGAE members previously had been represented by a local of the Teamsters union.

 

Barry, who led the discussions with the WGAE staffers that led to their decision to choose the Guild to represent them, said negotiations for an initial contract would begin soon.

 

The WGAE represents members who write, illustrate and produce the news and information programming for TV, radio and all other electronic media. The WGAE also represents screenwriters and entertainment TV writers.

 

“The WGAE is a very nice fit for our Local,” Barry said. “Choosing us was a real compliment for the work we do. We look forward to a long relationship.”

 

The WGAE secures pay and benefits for its members under its Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA), which governs their employment. Membership in the WGAE requires employment by one of the “signatories” to the MBA.

 

As the WGAE puts it to members and potential members, “your wages, your benefits and your working conditions will be there in black and white for all to see, and you get a say in any changes.”

 

The production companies, studios, TV networks and independent producers who have signed MBAs negotiate with the WGAE usually in three-year cycles.

 

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9/27/06