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 J. Cohen
  Josh Gondelman
  Phil Hay
  Eric Haywood
  Chris Hazzard
  Melissa London Hilfers
  Christopher Kyle
  Molly Nussbaum
  Luvh Rakhe
  Shawn Ryan 
  Betsy Thomas 
  Danny Tolli 
  Erica Saleh
  Mike Schur
  Cat Vasko
  Ben Watkins
  Kat Wood
  Lisa Zwerling 

  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 ask questions about the tentative agreement?

  Input from WGA members is always welcome and highly regarded. You can provide feedback by communicating with your Contract Captain or you can contact WGA leadership and staff by emailing MBA 2026.

  There will also be joint WGAE-WGAW Zoom meetings where members will have the opportunity to learn about the deal terms before the ratification voting period. 

• 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 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 declared earnings of at least $ 42,318.16 (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.