Members of the Writers Guild of America West (WGA West) are currently facing a rare and uncomfortable situation. This week, they are voting on whether to expel two fellow writers, Roma Roth and Edward Drake, for allegedly providing "writing services" during the 2023 strike. Additionally, the guild is considering lighter disciplinary actions against Julie Bush and Tim Doyle.
Rob Forman, a WGA board member, highlighted the awkwardness of the vote in a recent email. He acknowledged that it’s tough for writers to discipline their peers, especially in such challenging times, but urged members to hold accountable those who allegedly violated guild rules. He emphasized that turning their backs on fellow writers during the strike harms the entire community.
Disciplinary votes of this nature are quite rare. In 2013, Larry Amoros was expelled, but he didn’t appeal. Historical context reminds us of the 2007-08 WGA strike, during which Jay Leno faced similar allegations but was cleared. Interestingly, there hasn’t been an appeal of disciplinary actions in decades, making this current situation even more unusual.
Concerns have emerged regarding the fairness of the disciplinary process. Doyle faces public censure for a joke he made on Facebook. His attorney argues that policing speech on social media exceeds the guild’s authority. Initial recommendations from the trial committee suggested a private reprimand for Doyle, but the board opted for a more public disciplinary route.
One trial committee member expressed serious concerns, stating that the guild is overreaching by stifling member speech. This sentiment raises a broader debate about freedom of expression within creative industries. In today’s digital age, where social media plays a significant role, the repercussions of online remarks are more scrutinized than ever.
The committee’s recommendations varied significantly. Roth was initially to receive a five-year suspension for working on “Sullivan’s Crossing” during the strike, but after some legal insights, the board escalated this to expulsion. A member of the committee, Jill Goldsmith, voiced her concern that this could have major impacts on Roth’s career. She believes the process was flawed and that protections should be implemented to ensure fairness moving forward.
Under the WGA Constitution, members have the right to appeal disciplinary actions at the next annual meeting. However, the guild hasn’t held an annual meeting since April 2019. Instead, the board decided to allow an online vote, which Bush argues could compromise the appeal process. She argues that this change risks public exposure and lacks transparency.
The board contends that mail-in or online votes are permissible if a quorum can’t be reached in person. Yet, the tension remains. Bush claims that these deviations from established governance procedures could violate the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.
In a time where union solidarity is vital, many members are debating the balance between maintaining rules and fostering an open dialogue. Nicole Yorkin, another board member, has urged fellow guild members to vote to uphold the board’s decisions, highlighting a divide in perspectives within the community.
This situation underscores the complexities faced by creative professionals today. As writers navigate the tightrope of collaboration and accountability, the WGA’s actions may set important precedents for how guilds interact in the digital age.
For more insights on labor rights and guild regulations, you can explore the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act here.
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Edward Drake,Julie Bush,Roma Roth,Tim Doyle,WGA
