Hollywood Writers Return to Work

Posted on February 13, 2008

Hollywood writers returned to work today after a hard fought strike that was fought both on the streets of Hollywood and New York in picket lines and on the Internet with blogs and videos like Writer Boi. The Screen Actors Guild also provided much need solidarity. WGAW President Patric M. Verrone and WGAE President Michael Winship wrote a letter on the United Hollywood blog to members about the long strike and returning to work.

Writing can resume immediately. If you were employed when the strike began, you should plan to report to work on Wednesday. If you're not employed at an office or other work site, call or e-mail your employer that you are resuming work. If you have been told not to report to work or resume your services, we recommend that you still notify your employer in writing of your availability to do so. Questions concerning return-to-work issues should be directed to the WGAW legal department at 323.782.4521 or the WGAE's assistant executive director Ann Toback at 212-767-7823.
The decision to begin this strike was not taken lightly and was only made after no other reasonable alternative was possible. We are profoundly aware of the economic loss these fourteen weeks have created not only for our members but so many other colleagues who work in the television and motion picture industries. Nonetheless, with the establishment of the WGA jurisdiction over new media and residual formulas based on distributor's gross revenue (among other gains) we are confident that the results are a significant achievement not only for ourselves but the entire creative community, now and in the future.
We hope to build upon the extraordinary energy, ingenuity, and solidarity that were generated by your hard work during the strike.

The writers are glad to returning to work. TV viewers will also be very happy that many of their shows will soon be returning. The latenight talk shows that did not have interim deals will also get their writers back. The Associated Press interviewed some of the writers returning to work.