The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) is currently facing a strike by its own staff union, an ironic twist given the guild's history of advocating for labor rights in Hollywood.
The **Writers Guild Staff Union (WGSU)**, representing approximately 100-115 of the guild's roughly 150-160 employees (in departments like legal, communications, residuals, and others), went on strike starting **Tuesday, February 17, 2026**. They are picketing outside the WGAW headquarters on 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, with actions continuing as of February 18-19, 2026. This includes the appearance of "Scabby the Rat" (a common union protest symbol) on the picket line.
Reasons for the Strike
The WGSU has called this an **unfair labor practice (ULP) strike**, accusing WGAW management of:
- Surveilling workers for union activity.
- Terminating union supporters (including allegedly firing a member of the organizing committee).
- Engaging in **bad faith surface bargaining** (i.e., negotiating without genuine intent to reach an agreement).
- Showing no willingness to compromise on core issues after multiple sessions (reportedly 19 sessions since negotiations began in September 2025).
The staff union, which formed in spring 2025 and is affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Staff Union, is negotiating its **first-ever contract**. Key demands include:
- Pay raises (with reports that 64% of members earn less than $84,850 annually).
- Protections related to the growth and use of **artificial intelligence** (e.g., bargaining over AI use for surveillance, hiring, or discipline).
- Basic workplace protections like grievance procedures, "just cause" for discipline, and seniority rules.
In January 2026, 82% of WGSU members voted to authorize a strike if talks failed.
WGAW's Response
The guild has stated that it respects the staff union's right to strike and will continue bargaining in good faith. However, it described the allegations of unfair labor practices as "without merit."
This internal strike occurs just weeks (about a month) before the WGA's contract with the **Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)** — covering writers in film and TV — is set to expire on **May 1, 2026**. The previous WGA strike in 2023 lasted 148 days. The staff action has already disrupted some operations, such as screenings at the Writers Guild Theatre being suspended indefinitely.
No resolution has been reported as of the latest updates (February 18-19, 2026), and picketing is ongoing until further notice.
This situation highlights tensions within the organization as it prepares for potentially high-stakes negotiations with studios and streamers.