Candidate for Council, Online Media Sector
Hello! Here are some things to know about me!
- I was on the bargaining committee and social media committee for Hearst Union as we bargained our first contract.
- I was also a shop steward and a co-chair of our union until I was laid off in November 2024.
- My favorite part of being a union leader was talking to members and validating that yes, they do deserve better.
- My second favorite part was getting to embarrass the company into doing what they should have done all along. Some of the actions we took were changing our name on slack to “FAIR CONTRACT NOW”, talking to the press about the abysmal salaries the company said were enough, and handing out Wanted posters to our executives’ neighbors when they went missing from bargaining.
- After 5 years of working to successfully establish the Hearst Union, I am looking forward to bringing my experience and my passion for workers rights to the council. Plus, I have a plethora of free time right now due to our withered up job market.
- My favorite movie right now is The Hours. I don’t know if that’s relevant here but I thought you should know that I am deeply in love with The Hours.
It is a rare thing to see an election where literally every candidate would make an outstanding choice. I know I’m supposed to use this space to say why you should vote for me over everybody else but honestly you can’t go wrong with a crew this experienced, dedicated and brilliant as Camille, Sie, Nitish and Samantha. Thanks for reading this far and thank you for being in this fight together!
Responses to Candidate Questions
1. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing the Guild and what steps will you take to address it?
The most pressing issue facing the guild is the concentrated efforts of our companies to absolutely incinerate our industry. Layoffs are occurring more frequently than ever and we are seeing an alarming amount of investment in generative AI rather than an investment in the workers that make our industry what it is. I believe we need to create a united front across all shops to ensure that we are protected from these meddling capitalists while also creating room for us to grow and prosper.
2. WGAE is divided into three sectors: Film, Television, and Streaming; Broadcast, Cable, and Streaming News, and; Online Media. How will you work with and represent all Guild members, including those outside of your own work sector?
I would love for us to have a regular monthly meeting with council members from all sectors so that we can help support each other’s union actions. Our biggest strength is our solidarity. We can also organize and host parties or game nights to help create more light hearted community moments for our members. Through communication and education, we can keep our base engaged and united.
3. What qualities or characteristics do you look for in a Guild leader?
I look for someone who is kind and empathetic. Before I was ever in the labor movement, I worked at a group home for troubled teens. My role was to guide the group home residents through times of crisis. Every resident had their own individual needs and my job was to meet them on their terms. Frequently, I would utilize those skill sets when talking to our union members. I would help them understand that they were not alone, which is something we all need to hear when we are at our most vulnerable. Union work takes a lot of creativity and time but the most important aspect of it is never losing sight of who we’re doing this for.
4. What do you think WGAE’s role should be in the broader labor movement?
The WGAE has a responsibility to fight alongside the broader labor movement against the growing tendrils of fascism. We are at a terrifying moment in our nation’s history. Our freedoms and protections are being shredded left and right. It is up to us to collectively speak out and act on behalf of the millions of workers who are being threatened by this authoritarian government. I believe the WGAE can be an example to other unions on how to fight back against this erosion of our workers rights.
Endorsements
Johnathan Appel, Kevin Cortez, Sara David, Cameron Faulkner, Marisa LaScala, Sie Morley, Nitish Pahwa, Jessica Schulberg, Aurin Squire, Whitney Wimbish
Endorse Zachary Lennon-Simon for Council, Online Media Sector
Note: WGAW members who wish to endorse a candidate may follow the process outlined in section G.1.B of the 2025 Election Policy.
