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The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is currently seeking its members’ approval to support disciplinary actions against four writers who are alleged to have violated union guidelines during the 2023 strike. A vote regarding their appeals is set to occur in mid-May, according to reports from various media outlets.
The writers facing scrutiny include Edward John Drake, Roma Roth, and Julie Bush, who have been accused of engaging in writing activities that were prohibited during the strike. Meanwhile, Tim Doyle has come under fire for posting an inappropriate message on social media. The WGA West board has already voted to expel Drake and Roth, which is the most severe penalty the guild can impose. Bush has received a temporary suspension alongside a lifetime ban from serving in a captaincy role during strikes, while Doyle has been publicly censured.
In its communication to members, the board emphasized the importance of adhering to strike protocols, stating, “Every Guild member knows what it means when there’s a strike: pencils down.” They highlighted that Drake did not comply with this directive during the strike. As of the report date, the guild leadership had not publicly commented on the matter.
Drake, known for directing the independent film “Guns Up,” is accused of “scab writing” and of not cooperating with investigations by withholding relevant documents. He maintains his innocence, arguing that the minimal script modifications he made were consistent with his role as a director and that he is facing repercussions for his refusal to implicate others.
Drake expressed the emotional toll this situation has taken on him, stating, “This has been a horrible ordeal. I have been living under the guillotine of fear for months,” in his appeal.
Roth, who served as the showrunner for “Sullivan’s Crossing” throughout the duration of the strike, is accused of writing and modifying scripts, which is a clear violation of strike protocols. She asserts that she ceased all writing activities at the strike’s commencement and only undertook responsibilities as a non-writing producer.
Roth defended herself by stating, “I would never have knowingly caused harm to our Guild,” claiming that biases influenced the testimony against her.
Bush is said to have modified a script for a project centered on Elon Musk during the strike. She argues that she consulted with guild attorneys for advice and that any work completed was unpaid due to non-compliance from the production company with WGA regulations. “The information I provided confidentially to get help … was turned around and weaponized by Guild staff,” she explained.
Doyle’s situation arose from a Facebook post that referenced the 100th day of the strike. His post included a joke image that many found offensive, as it was interpreted as resembling a lynching. Doyle argued that his intention was to use “gallows humor” to reflect the anxiety that writers felt regarding the industry’s future.
The board cited Doyle for “conduct prejudicial to the welfare of the Guild,” standing by the decision to issue a public censure. In response, Doyle stated that this reprimand exemplified a “failure of empathy.”
The implications of these disciplinary actions are significant, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the WGA as it navigates compliance and solidarity in the wake of the strike.
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