WGA Staff Strike Enters Second Week as Two Sides Meet

Management and the staff union have met to try to resolve the ongoing labor dispute.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Writers Guild of America West staff union went on strike on February 17, alleging that union leadership had failed to address their concerns over low wages and unfair promotion and discipline practices. While the two sides have met in recent days to try to bridge their differences, the staff union says not enough progress has been made and that management is still unwilling to bargain in good faith. The strike could impact the upcoming WGA Awards ceremony if it persists.

Why it matters

The WGA staff strike highlights tensions within the entertainment industry's labor landscape, as a union representing writers is facing its own internal labor dispute. The outcome of the negotiations could set precedents for how other entertainment industry unions handle staff compensation and working conditions.

The details

The WGA staff union, which includes about 100 guild employees, argues that many WGAW employees make only $50,000 to $80,000 a year and face unfair promotion and discipline practices. Management has denied allegations of bad-faith bargaining and says it will continue working with the staff to reach a resolution. The two sides met on Sunday night at a neutral site and another meeting was expected as soon as Tuesday night.

  • The WGA staff union went on strike on February 17, 2026.
  • The two sides met on Sunday night, February 23, 2026.
  • Another meeting was expected as soon as Tuesday night, February 25, 2026.

The players

Writers Guild of America West

The labor union representing film, television, and digital media writers in the United States.

Writers Guild Staff Union

The union representing about 100 employees of the Writers Guild of America West.

Dylan Holmes

Co-chair of the Writers Guild Staff Union bargaining committee.

Ellen Stutzman

The executive director of the Writers Guild of America West.

Joe Russo

A writer who was an assistant lot coordinator during the 2023 WGA strike.

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What they’re saying

“Management is still not ready to meet the moment. They do not want us to be on this picket line and are trying to figure out how to get us off of it. But they are still unwilling to bargain in good faith with us in order to get there.”

— Dylan Holmes, Co-chair of the Writers Guild Staff Union bargaining committee (Variety)

“It's very hypocritical and quite frankly embarrassing that a union that is always at the forefront of trying to get a good deal for its members won't do the same for its own staff.”

— Joe Russo, Writer (Variety)

What’s next

Another meeting between management and the staff union was expected as soon as Tuesday night, February 25, 2026. If the strike persists much longer, it could impact the WGA Awards ceremony scheduled for March 8.

The takeaway

The WGA staff strike highlights the challenges unions can face in addressing the concerns of their own employees, potentially undermining their credibility when negotiating on behalf of their broader membership. The outcome of these negotiations could set important precedents for how entertainment industry unions handle internal labor disputes.