The staff of the Writers Guild of America West (WGA West) has achieved a major milestone, winning voluntary union recognition after more than 81% of its 110 employees signed cards in support of forming a union.
The newly formed bargaining unit will be represented by the Pacific Northwest Staff Union (PNSU), which also represents workers from the L.A. County Federation of Labor and various chapters of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Rather than pushing for a formal vote, WGA West leadership opted to recognize the union through a card-check process, allowing the staff to move forward with organizing without delay.
“We have an agreement on our first demand, and we’re excited to take this important step towards having a voice in improving our workplace and organizing without fear of retaliation,” said Doug MacIsaac, operations coordinator at WGA West.
The union will include staff across various departments—such as residuals, contracts, communications, research, and theater.
Genevieve Gonsal, a contracts coordinator who is set to mark 25 years at WGA on May 1, reflected on the historic moment, “I am honored to be part of the formation of the WGSU and excited for all the possibilities ahead. Here’s to solidarity, progress, and the next chapter!”
WGA East employees already have union representation, as do staff at SAG-AFTRA. This recognition marks another key chapter in the growing labor movement within the entertainment industry.