The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) is facing internal turmoil as a staff strike by the Writers Guild Staff Union (WGSU) threatens to disrupt its annual awards show next month. The strike, which began on February 17, stems from allegations by the WGSU that WGAW leadership has failed to adequately address staff concerns regarding low wages, unfair promotion practices, and disciplinary actions. The WGSU, representing approximately 100 guild employees, states that many WGAW employees earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, a figure they deem insufficient.

Negotiations between WGAW management and the WGSU have been fraught with tension. Despite a recent meeting held at a neutral site on Sunday night, the staff union reported that insufficient progress has been made. Dylan Holmes, co-chair of the Writers Guild Staff Union bargaining committee, expressed frustration, stating that management is "still not ready to meet the moment" and is unwilling to bargain in good faith. WGA management, however, has denied allegations of bad-faith bargaining and affirmed its commitment to reaching a resolution.

The dispute escalated dramatically on Tuesday night when the WGSU posted that WGAW management had declared it would not bargain further. According to the post, management issued an ultimatum: if the WGSU does not accept its latest offer by Friday, the Writers Guild Awards, scheduled for March 8 at the J.W. Marriott hotel in downtown Los Angeles, would be canceled. The WGSU views this move as a cynical attempt by WGAW management to sow discord between union staff and the wider WGA membership, rather than fostering unity.

The staff strike has garnered support from some WGA members, who joined staffers on the picket line outside the union headquarters. Writer Joe Russo, an assistant lot coordinator during the 2023 WGA strike, criticized the situation as "very hypocritical and quite frankly embarrassing" for a union that champions fair deals for its members but allegedly fails to provide the same for its own staff. Picket signs specifically targeted Ellen Stutzman, the guild’s executive director, holding her accountable for alleged unfair labor practices (ULPs).

The WGSU, which formed last April, is striving to secure its first contract. In August of the previous year, the union filed an unfair labor practices complaint, accusing the WGA of terminating a staffer in retaliation for union activities. This ongoing internal conflict casts a shadow as the WGA prepares for critical negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on March 16 to secure a new contract for writers.

Despite the staff strike, the WGA has stated that bargaining with the studios will proceed as planned. However, concerns remain about the impact of simultaneously negotiating on two fronts. Russo articulated this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of resolving the internal dispute to present a united front and focus on achieving the best possible deal for WGA members, which would ultimately benefit the staff as well.