Suspect someone of writing? Call (323) 782-4898
When the WGA issued its strike rules a month ago, the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers responded with information on its Web site showing how to file for financial core status. Under fi-core, a writer gives up full membership in the guild and withholds dues spent on political activities in order to continue writing during the strike. The AMPTP also pointed out that WGA members who go fi-core can’t be disciplined for working during a strike.
That said, strike-breaking is a serious issue for the WGA and its strike rules require members to report any activity in that realm. Discipline for violations of strike can include expulsion, suspension, fines and censure; nonmembers who perform banned work during a strike will be barred from joining the WGA.
WGA West members received an email over the weekend from Dan Wilcox, chair of the newly formed WGA West Strike Rules Compliance Committee and a member of the WGA West’s Board:
Dear fellow WGAW members,More than one option
I’m Dan Wilcox, Chair of the newly-formed WGA West Strike Rules Compliance Committee (“SRCC”) and a member of the WGA West’s Board of Directors as well as an alternate member of the 2007 MBA Negotiating Committee.
The other members of the SRCC are: Nancy De Los Santos; Bob Eisele; Larry Gelbart; Matt Gunn; Bernard Lechowick; Larry Levin; Karen Harris; Glen Mazzara; Peter Murietta; Frank Pierson; Stan Chervin.
The mission of the SRCC is to ensure that the Strike Rules are strictly enforced. The SRCC will primarily concentrate its efforts on unearthing and discouraging scab writing.
There is no more fundamental working rule than the prohibition against a WGA member performing struck work. Strike Rule #9 states: “You must inform the Guild of the name of any writer you have reason to believe is engaged in strike breaking activity or other scab writing.” If you have suspicions about a particular writer or project, the best way to report them will be to call our hotline or click on the red icon on the WGA.org homepage and simply fill out the on-line form. We’ll handle your call discreetly. Our purpose is not to punish people; it is to head off scab work before it can undermine the strike.
The STRIKE TIP HOTLINE number is: (323) 782-4898.
When you call, it will help if you flesh out your information as much as possible.
For general inquiries regarding strike rules please call: (323) 782-4521.
Please know that the leadership of your Guild is just as eager as you to keep this strike short. Unfettered scab writing will only lengthen it. The simplest and most effective thing you can do to speed things up is to share information with the SRCC.
I’ve never been prouder of this union than out on this week’s picket lines. I believe a good contract is within reach. We just have to hold together.
Thank you all very much.
Sincerely,
Dan Wilcox
