Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) is a labour union headquartered in California, that represents the interests of writers in various fields, including film, television, radio, and new media. The organization was established in 1954 following the merger of five separate groups that advocated for the rights of writers. With a membership base of around 20,000 individuals, the WGAW plays a significant role in protecting the rights and welfare of its members by negotiating with industry stakeholders.
A few days after the Workers Day celebration that marked the beginning of a history mending workers strike decades ago, members of the Writers Guild of America West have embarked on a strike that could negatively affect media publications this year.
The last WGAW strike in 2007 had a massive economic impact, causing an estimated $2 billion in damages, mostly in Southern California, and since then, the industry has undergone significant changes, particularly with the rise of streaming services.
This rise of streaming services has led to a significant change in the way audiences consume television shows and movies. In response, studios have had to adapt their business models to keep up with the trends. According to CNN, negotiations between the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) and studios have been ongoing, with one of the key points being the compensation for writers on streaming platforms.
