WGA Answers Frequently Asked Questions About Potential Strike
26.04.2023 - 02:43
/ deadline.com
The WGA, in a message to members accompanying its new set of “Strike Rules,” is answering frequently asked questions about a possible strike that could happen as soon as May 2. And the answer to many of the questions is “No.”
The list ranges from unemployment insurance for strikers (you don’t get it in California, but you do in New York) to whether employers can cancel writing assignments and overall deals during a strike (it depends). Have a look below.
If there is a strike, when would it start?
A strike could start as early as 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, May 2. Guild members would be notified of a strike’s start date as soon as a decision is made. As always, members should be very wary of rumors about a possible strike, including its timing, and rely only on official Guild communications.
I’ve heard from reps and execs that the Guild will extend the contract through June or July. Is that true?
No. There are no plans to extend the deadline. Unless you hear it directly from the WGA, you should assume that the rumor is nothing more than that.
Do I qualify for unemployment insurance if I’m not working because I’m on strike?
In California, employees on strike are normally not entitled to unemployment insurance benefits. In New York, employees eligible for unemployment are entitled to unemployment insurance benefits while on strike after a two (2) week waiting period.
Are residuals payments suspended during a strike?
No, the Companies must continue to pay residuals that are owed. The Guild will continue to enforce residual obligations.
Will I be held liable for breach of contract for going on strike?
The MBA provides that both the writer’s and company’s obligations under existing employment contracts are suspended