Writers Guild Members Unanimously Ratify New Public Television Contract

NEW YORK, NY (August 23, 2016) – The Writers Guilds of America, East and West, have reached agreement on a new Public Television contract. The bargaining unit unanimously voted to ratify the three year contract.

The new contract provides:

• 3% increase in all minimums effective July 1, 2016, with 0.5% of that amount diverted to the Writers Guild Industry Health Fund per the Writers Guilds’ Theatrical and Television Basic Agreement (MBA).

• Two other increases to all minimums effective July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2018 that will be the same as those negotiated next year in the 2017 MBA.  In other words, if the 2017 MBA increase is x%, the 2017 public TV increase will also be x%.

• All other terms in the previous CBA will remain in effect.

The WGA-PBS negotiating committee authorized the union to pursue a “cut through” negotiation with the signatory employers (principally WGBH and WNET) over wages and benefits. The employers agreed to this approach.

“Our members create some of the most compelling—and award-winning—shows on public television, including FRONTLINE, NOVA, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and episodes of AMERICAN MASTERS,” said Lowell Peterson, Executive Director of the Writers Guild of America, East. “Their creative vision, their dedication to craft, and in many cases their contribution to raising money, directing and producing, make it possible for WGBH, WNET and other signatory producers to present shows that inform our national dialogue about the vital political, cultural, economic and scientific issues of our times.  We are very pleased that the producers have agreed to adopt the percentage increases that are negotiated in the Guilds’ contract with the major networks and studios.”

ABOUT WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, EAST

The Writers Guild of America, East, AFL-CIO (WGAE) is a labor union representing writers in motion pictures, television, cable, digital media and broadcast news. The Guild negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of its members; conducts programs, seminars and events on issues of interest to writers; and presents writers’ views to various bodies of government. For more information on the Writers Guild of America, East, visit wgaeast.org.

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