The Campaign

FAQ

• What are the steps in the negotiations process?

  The WGA’s research, enforcement, and negotiating staff work continually to analyze industry trends and craft strategies to improve standards for writers. Members also express their concerns and identify priorities through communication with the WGAW Board or WGAE Council, their captains, in member committees and organizing meetings, TV/streaming show visits, and by participating in member surveys. Preparations for MBA negotiations intensifies in the months prior to the contract expiration date, which this cycle is May 1, 2026.

  In general, the steps in the negotiations process are as follows:

  • WGA members are surveyed to help determine bargaining priorities.
  • The WGAW Board and WGAE Council appoint the Negotiating Committee. The officers from each guild are ex-officio members of the committee.
  • The Negotiating Committee, with staff support, crafts the Pattern of Demands—general objectives for negotiations. The Pattern of the Demands is approved by the Board and Council and sent to the membership for a vote.
  • The Negotiating Committee decides on a set of specific bargaining proposals and negotiating priorities.
  • The WGA holds a series of membership meetings to get feedback on the bargaining agenda.
  • The Negotiating Committee begins talks with the AMPTP. Given the sensitive nature of these bargaining sessions, communications with the membership may be limited at times.
  • If it appears an agreement can’t be reached, the Negotiating Committee may recommend to the WGAW Board and WGAE Council that the membership takes a Strike Authorization Vote (SAV). If the WGAW Board and WGAE Council agree with the Negotiating Committee, they will authorize a membership vote. Additional membership meetings may take place in connection with the vote. If a majority of members vote in favor, the WGAW Board and WGAE Council, in consultation with the Negotiating Committee have the authority to call a strike after the contract expires, and there is no acceptable agreement.
  • Once the WGA and AMPTP come to an agreement on terms, the WGAW Board and WGAE Council decide whether to recommend the tentative agreement and send it to the membership for a Contract Ratification Vote
• Who does the WGA negotiate with?

  The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) negotiates on behalf of all the major studios and streamers and hundreds of production companies.

• Who represents the WGA at the negotiation table?

  The 2026 MBA Negotiating Committee and chief negotiator, WGAW Executive Director Ellen Stutzman, represent the WGA in negotiations.

  Members of the 2026 Negotiating Committee are: 

  John August, Co-chair
  Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, Co-chair
  Ali Barthwell
  Yahlin Chang
  Stan Chervin
  Larry Cohen
  Josh Gondelman
  Phil Hay
  Eric Haywood
  Chris Hazzard
  Melissa London Hilfers
  Chris Kyle
  Molly Nussbaum
  Luvh Rakhe
  Erica Saleh
  Mike Schur
  Cat Vasko
  Ben Watkins
  Kat Wood
  Shawn Ryan (alternate)
  Betsy Thomas (alternate)
  Danny Tolli (alternate)
  Lisa Zwerling (alternate)

  Michele Mulroney, WGAW President, Ex-Officio
  Travis Donnelly, WGAW Vice President, Ex-Officio 
  Peter Murrieta, WGAW Secretary-Treasurer, Ex-Officio, 
  Tom Fontana, WGAE President, Ex-Officio 
  Michael Rauch, WGAE Vice President of Film/TV/Streaming, Ex-Officio
  Sasha Stewart, WGAE Secretary-Treasurer, Ex-Officio

• What happens in negotiations?

  Negotiations start with opening proposals from both sides. The WGA prepares a comprehensive proposal to address the concerns of writers and over the course of negotiations explains and defends specific proposals. The AMPTP usually proposes rollbacks, changes, or new proposals that are not favorable to writers. The back-and-forth of the negotiations covers a range of topics in a series of sessions that play out over a number of weeks. The Negotiating Committee also spends time away from the bargaining table, in caucuses discussing and deliberating next moves, or waiting for the AMPTP to respond to presentations and proposals. Both sides may amend their proposals, offer counter proposals, or drop proposals until a tentative agreement is reached or negotiations break off.

• How can members stay informed during negotiations?

  First and foremost, we encourage you to attend member meetings and hear directly from your leadership. The WGA will also communicate important info to members via email and on our WGA Contract 2026 website.

  If you don’t already have a WGA Contract Captain we highly encourage you join a team. Your captain can help you stay informed and let you know about opportunities to engage with fellow members.

  If you want to get more involved you can also volunteer to be a Contract Captain. You will engage with a team of fellow writers, help address their questions, and mobilize them in support of the bargaining agenda. Captains also meet to discuss the issues and communicate member sentiments to leadership. Captains receive leadership training and staff support.

  During negotiations, the parties often agree not to publicly discuss specifics about how negotiations are proceeding. Since member messages leak to the press, the WGA may pause member communications at times. Members will always be notified, however, when there are significant developments. 

  You can also email questions to MBA 2026.

• How can members make suggestions or express concerns to the Negotiating Committee?

  Input from WGA members is always welcome and highly regarded. You can provide feedback by attending membership meetings, or communicating with your Contract Captain or Member Organizing Representative. You can also contact WGA leadership and staff by emailing MBA 2026. 

• What else should members expect?

  Often in the lead up to negotiations, as well as during the negotiating period itself, misleading and provocative information will appear in the press and on social media.

  Take rumors and anonymous commentary with a grain of salt. Consider the source and motivations of comments about WGA goals, strategies, tactics, and priorities. Even well-meaning individuals can be misinformed about the contract negotiations process. The only true authority on the status of MBA negotiations is the WGA.

  WGA contract negotiations are conducted through a democratic process, supported by thorough analysis of the industry and experienced campaign strategists. The membership decides what issues are brought to the table, whether or not to authorize a strike, and whether to ratify contract terms through a membership vote. You might hear debate among your fellow members—but don’t assume it’s a sign of discord, rather a fundamental aspect of union democracy.

• What happens if writers go on strike?

  The WGA leadership may call a strike only after the membership has authorized it and the current contract has expired. If a strike is called, members are prohibited from performing covered writing services for companies that don’t have an agreement with the WGA. To demonstrate unity and resolve, writers picket and engage in other collective actions that help put pressure on the AMPTP to better their offer. Negotiations can continue during a strike.

  By striking and withholding their labor, members use their leverage to secure meaningful economic gains for all writers. A strike can also be financially challenging for individual writers. In the event of a strike, the WGAW strike fund committee will oversee the strike fund for WGAW members facing economic hardships due to the action. WGAW members may also be eligible for assistance through the Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Fund. More specific information will be available in the event of a strike.

  The Entertainment Community Fund also offers emergency financial assistance to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals.

• What are the eligibility rules for joint WGAW-WGAE votes concerning negotiation of the MBA?

  Under both the WGAW and WGAE Constitutions, votes concerning negotiation of the Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA) are conducted jointly. In order to be eligible to vote in the 2026 joint MBA votes, WGAE and WGAW members must be Current Active (i.e., not In-Arrears) and have either: (1) MBA earnings of at least $37,953.51 (excluding residuals) during the past six years; or (2) 15 pension-eligible years (i.e. earned at least $5,000) based on MBA employment. Dues department staff is available to assist current members who have questions about their eligibility status and can be reached at the WGAW at (323) 782-4531 or WGAW Dues or WGAE Dues Administrator Debbie DiOrio at (212) 767-7824 or Debbie DiOrio.