Writers have won a number of rights and protections which are now secured in Guild contracts – and, for many issues, workers are also protected by various local, state, and federal laws.
This guide provides writers with a quick reference to some of the rights to which you may be entitled under the MBA.
Securing creative rights for writers was a fundamental goal of the Screen Writers Guild at its founding in 1933 and continues as a prime element of the Writers Guild agenda.
Separated Rights is one of the most important, and perhaps least understood, areas of the MBA. Due to the importance of Separated Rights, it is imperative that writers know and understand what these rights are and how they are obtained.
The WGAE has secured groundbreaking AI protections for workers in the entertainment and media industries, and is engaged in policy advocacy against the theft and exploitation of writers’ works by AI models.
Reacquisition allows writers to buy back their unproduced, original literary material when certain requirements are met within the limited window of time in which the material may be reacquired.
We understand that sexual harassment exists in the broader context of sexism and power imbalance, and our union is committed to transforming the culture and power dynamics that currently exist in our industries.
Parental leave, nondiscrimination toward pregnant workers and workplace accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions are protected rights under NYC, NY state and federal laws. Most Guild contracts also protect these benefits to some degree.
In any investigatory meeting with management that you think may result in disciplinary action, you’re entitled to have a union representative present.
Learn about the legal protections and other resources available to anyone experiencing or witnessing online abuse.
Find more information and resources related to our DEIB initiatives and protections.
