Information for Non-MBA Members

How MBA negotiations impact non-MBA members, explained

Non-MBA Members – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What WGAE work is covered under the MBA?

The MBA covers writing for feature film, television, podcast, and new media projects – including scripted projects for streaming services like Netflix. Fiction podcasts may be covered as well.

It also includes writing for network news magazine programs like 60 Minutes. However, it does not cover local or national television, radio, or streaming news, nor does it cover nonfiction podcasts.

2. Will members working under other collective bargaining agreements also do on strike if there is an MBA strike?

No, the strike affects WGA members who work under the MBA, not a broadcast TV, radio, or streaming news, online media or nonfiction podcast contracts.

However, all Writers Guild East members will still be required to abide by any MBA strike rules which would prevent the performance of writing services for struck companies.

That means no Guild member, in any sector, can be hired to write TV or movie scripts, nor to sell or option any scripts.

3. What if I am asked to do work that is covered under the MBA, or there is a picket line outside of where I work?

Please contact the WGAE staff representative for your sector immediately to inform them of the situation.

WGAE Staff Contacts

• Broadcast, Cable, and Streaming News: Michael Isaac (misaac@wgaeast.org)
• Online Media & Podcasts: Terri Nilliasca (tnilliasca@wgaeast.org)
• Film, Television and Streaming: Michelle Kuchinsky (mkuchinsky@wgaeast.org)

4. How can we stay informed about negotiations and show our support if there’s a strike?

Already, misleading and provocative information has appeared in the press and on social media. The only true authority on the status of MBA negotiations is the Guild.

Members in all sectors will be notified whenever there are significant developments, so please look for communications from the WGAE with new information. To ensure emails from the Guild are not sent to your spam/clutter folders, be sure to add membernews@wgaeast.org to your email’s address book or safe senders list.

You can also visit the WGA Contract 2023 microsite (external – opens in a new window) for up-to-date information about negotiations and to learn about how you can support the strike.