What is Struck Work? And why it matters for writers?

In recent discussions about the deal made between studios and the Writers Guild of America (WGA), the concept of "struck work" emerged.

It raised questions about the limitations it imposes on studios hiring non-union writers and the mechanisms in place to enforce it.

This blog post aims to demystify the concept of struck work, specifically within the WGA, shedding light on its importance and the potential consequences of going around it.

What is Struck Work?

In labor unions, struck work refers to specific projects or employers that the union has authorized its members to strike against.

The "struck work" provisions are put in place to protect the union's interests and ensure fair working conditions for its members.

The idea is that the power of the union lies in its ability to collectively bargain for the rights and benefits of its members, and struck work provisions strengthen their position.

Enforcing Struck Work

The enforcement of struck work provisions varies depending on the union and the specific terms outlined in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

In the case of the WGA, the enforcement is typically done through monitoring and reporting systems.

When a project or employer is deemed as struck work, it means that any WGA member who takes on that work risks disciplinary actions or being barred from future union membership.

To enforce these provisions, the WGA relies on its members to report any violations.

This allows the union to investigate and take appropriate actions against non-compliant employers or members.

This system ensures that writers who respect the union's decisions can work in an environment that offers fair wages, benefits, and protections.

Struck Work in the WGA

Within the WGA, struck work provisions are crucial to maintain the integrity of the union.

They serve as a barrier against the hiring of non-union writers during times of negotiation or labor disputes.

By preventing studios from circumventing the union's collective bargaining power, struck work provisions ensure that writers are not taken advantage of through the outsourcing or underpayment of their work.

During organizations like strikes, WGA members are expected to stand in solidarity with their fellow writers.

Technically, studios can hire non-union writers for new projects that fall under the struck contracts.

However, doing so would be considered scabbing, and any writer who engages in such work would be barred from joining the union in the future.

This acts as a powerful deterrent for aspiring writers who understand the importance of maintaining strong unions and fair working conditions.

Ultimately, the use of struck work provisions by the WGA creates an environment where writers, both established and aspiring, can stand together to protect their rights and negotiate for better terms.

It ensures that unions have the necessary leverage to advocate for their members' interests and combat any attempts to undermine their collective power.

The Long-Term Impact

While it may seem tempting for studios to seek alternatives outside of unionized workforces, the long-term impact of going around struck work provisions is detrimental for both the industry and aspiring writers.

By undermining the WGA and other unions, studios risk eroding the very systems that advocate for fair wages, health benefits, and other crucial protections.

Supporting non-union work not only weakens the collective power of unions but also perpetuates a cycle of low wages and subpar working conditions.

It makes it difficult for aspiring writers to find stable employment, as they too may be subjected to exploitative practices without the support and guidance of a strong union.

Conclusion

Struck work provisions, such as those implemented by the Writers Guild of America, play a vital role in protecting the rights and interests of unionized writers.

Through these provisions, the WGA ensures that its members are not marginalized or taken advantage of during labor disputes or negotiations.