We're Almost Finished....Just One More Step

I hope everyone has started back on the path to "normalcy". I, for one, was happy to see writers embraced on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. And both shows were the better for being written by their writing staffs.

When the strike started we heard a lot of talk about writers writing specs during the strike. But I actually don't know anyone who wrote a script during the past 3 months. Some writers did write. I heard about a writer who wrote a novel. Another a children's book. I started a food web site. But writing screenplays or working on pilot assignments didn't seem to happen as expected. Picketing seemed to consume the people I talked with.

Maybe that says something about the level of commitment writers felt about the strike. At any rate, thankfully, the strike is over now. As Patric Verrone said in his email, the negotiations accomplished many but not all of our goals. There is still more to be achieved in the next contract cycle, but by staying focused and committed, we prevailed against enormous odds. We should all congratulate one another. We did good.

Even though it feels as if the strike is already ancient history, there is still one more step to go: we have to vote on the contract itself. Here's Ann Farriday's instructions about the voting process.

from Ann Farriday:
Congratulations! Although the strike is now officially over, the membership still needs to vote on whether to accept the terms of the new MBA.

CONTRACT RATIFICATION VOTE
Ballots and related materials should be in the mail on Friday February 15th.. Members will have the opportunity to vote by mail, vote by proxy or vote in person at the Special Membership Meeting on Monday February 25, 2008 at 6 pm at the Writers Guild Theater.

RATIFICATION PRO AND CON STATEMENTS DUE TOMORROW
WGA members in good standing have the opportunity to submit statements supporting or opposing ratification of the proposed 2008 MBA. Statements must be delivered to WGAW or WGAE headquarters by 12 noon, Thursday February 14. For submission rules click here.

MEMBER INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS ON THE PROPOSED 2008 MBA NEXT WEEK
Please encourage your team members who have questions about the new contract to attend one of these meetings. WGAW Senior Staff will go over the deal terms, and address members’ questions and concerns.

• Tuesday, February 19 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the WGAW building, 7000 W 3rd St 90048, Multipurpose Room (2nd floor).
• Thursday, February 21 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Sportsman’s Lodge, 12825 Ventura Blvd, Studio City 91604.

Please RSVP Thomas Griffin at tgriffin@wga.org or 323-782-4868.