An Important Update for DGA Members Regarding WGA/AMPTP Negotiations
Dear Member:
As you are most likely aware, the WGA's collective bargaining agreement with the AMPTP expires at midnight tonight. The parties negotiated on both Saturday and Sunday this past weekend, and they are continuing to meet today. We continue to support the WGA's efforts to obtain a fair and reasonable contract for their members and urge the AMPTP to work with the WGA toward that end. At this point, we do not know whether the parties will reach agreement before their contract expires. Nor do we know whether or when the WGA will call a strike if they do not reach agreement. However, we want to make sure you are fully aware of your rights and responsibilities in case of a strike.
On April 18th, we sent you an email outlining many of the fundamental issues regarding our "no-strike" clause. At that time, the WGA had not issued its Strike Rules. Now that they have done so, we have updated our FAQ to provide important information for DGA members who are also WGA members. That link can be found here along with additional information as part of the Negotiations portal on our website to keep you informed.
In addition, our Contracts Hotline (800-277-3603) will now be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer specific questions relating to your current employment situation and how it may be affected by a WGA strike. This hotline is for members only, not agents, lawyers, business managers or press. Staff will only be answering questions based on a member's specific employment situation. You will be expected to give your name and your member number as this hotline is for actual, not theoretical, employment situations. Please have your questions ready in advance and recognize that there may be high call volume at first.
Regardless of the outcome of the WGA/AMPTP negotiations, we are scheduled to begin our contract negotiations on May 10. As we have previously explained, our major contracts expire on June 30. We have a duty to you, our members, to achieve the best possible deal. In addition, we have legal and contractual obligations to bargain in good faith with the Studios, and we intend to honor those commitments. SAG-AFTRA's contract also expires on June 30 and they are scheduled to enter negotiations immediately after us on June 7, giving each Guild a window to negotiate a fair deal.
The DGA has always been there to fight to protect your interests today and in the future. I want to reassure you that your Guild is here for you and prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead.
Sincerely,
Russell Hollander
National Executive Director
Directors Guild of America
