Everything CDG Members Need to Know About the WGA, SAG-AFTRA Strike
The Costume Designers Guild supports the WGA and SAG-AFTRA efforts to negotiate a fair contract with the AMPTP. Writers and actors play a critical role in the success of the entertainment industry and their contributions are essential.
CDG members can support other unions, including the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, but it’s not mandatory. Solidarity among unions can be helpful during negotiations with the same employers.
As an IATSE member, it is essential to be informed about your rights while the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are on strike and putting up picket lines at various studios.
As your leaders, we want to make known that we will never cross a picket line as we support all workers in fighting for fair, just, and equitable contracts.
Please check back often; we will update this page with more information and resources as it becomes available.
Social Services: CDG members facing hardships
Picket Schedules and Locations:
The WGA will update Picket Schedules and Locations Weekly here
SAG AFTRA will update Picket Schedules and Locations Weekly here
The WGA HUB: Strike Rules
SAG-AFTRA HUB: Strike Rules
SAG-AFTRA: Strike Notice
IMPORTANT: Unlawful Interrogation: View PDF Letter
WGA Social Channels:
SAG-AFTRA Social Channels:
The CDG supports all workers to bring fair pay and protections
WGA, SAG-AFTRA Strike FAQ
What is the IATSE and Local 892 position on the WGA, SAG_AFTRA strike?
IATSE International President Matthew Loeb has stated as follows: “IATSE supports the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) in their collective fight to win a fair contract from Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on behalf of the talented workers they represent. The motion picture and television industry thrives on the creativity, skill, and labor of every worker involved, and writers’ contributions are an important part of the success of the films, television shows, and other media IATSE members work on. We recognize and support our fellow entertainment workers in their mission to negotiate an agreement that addresses their issues from the AMPTP, an ensemble that includes media-mega corporations collectively worth trillions of dollars.”
Now that the writers and actors are on strike, do I still go to work?
If you have work, then yes, you should go to work.
What are my options if I encounter a WGA or SAG-AFTRA picket line at my worksite?
If you encounter a physical picket line at your worksite, you have a legally-protected right not to cross the picket line. If you encounter a picket line and choose not to cross it, you should immediately contact your UPM and let them know that you encountered a WGA or SAG-AFTRA picket line and are choosing to honor the picket line.
Your right not to cross a picket line applies regardless of where you encounter the picket line, whether a studio lot, a facility, or an off-site location.
However, if there is no picket line at your worksite, you must go to work.
What happens if I choose not to cross a picket line?
You may not be terminated, disciplined, or retaliated against if you choose not to cross a picket line. However, you may not get paid and the production may replace you with another person.
Local 892 is discouraging members from accepting work calls to replace other Local 892 members who have exercised their right not to cross a picket line. You have the right to ask if you are being called to replace another member who refused to cross a picket line.
Now that there is a strike, will I still have to pay my union dues?
Yes. Under our Constitution and By-laws, members must continue to remain current on their dues.
What happens to my MPI hours?
There is currently no bridge for health/pension/IAP hours.
Can I collect Unemployment Insurance if my production shuts down as a result of the strike?
Yes.
What about my kit?
If your show is affected by a work stoppage, your employer is not responsible for paying your kit rental. Please consult with your UPM to make specific arrangements to collect your property.
Can I join a WGA or SAG-AFTRA picket line?
Just as you have a right to choose not to cross a picket line, you also have a right to participate in a WGA or SAG-AFTRA picket line on your own time. However, you should not refuse to cross a picket line at your worksite and then immediately join the same picket line.
Can I hold an IATSE sign on the picket line?
No. Holding an IATSE sign may give the incorrect impression that IATSE is on strike. The IATSE has no active dispute with the employers. IATSE and Local 892 are not on strike or sponsoring any picketing.
Can I wear IATSE clothing/pins on the picket line?
Yes
I work in commercials, does the WGA or SAG-AFTRA strike impact me?
No. The commercial contract is not affected by the WGA strike. The WGA is not on strike against the Association of Independent Commercial Producers. If you are working on a commercial that is being produced at the same location where picketing against a studio or film/television producer is occurring, you may be directed to enter using a separate “reserve” or “neutral” gate. This is permissible.
Remote work
Workers who are remote are not presented with a picket line. Therefore, they should continue to work. Unless a worker encounters a physical picket line, they may continue their work. Any collective work-stoppage may become a plausible violation of a collective bargaining agreement.
Virtual picket line
We are not aware of any virtual picket lines. And as we have discussed and as Vice President Miller explained to everyone on the call on Tuesday, May 2, there is NO LAW on “virtual pickets”; no definition of “virtual pickets” and workers should be careful when withholding services in response to a virtual picket. We have set forth what our arguments will be, but this is a gray area and is untested. And, if workers honor any so-called virtual picket, they must advise their supervisor that they are withholding services for that reason.
No-strike language
Local unions must consult their collective bargaining agreements regarding language that may appear on picket signs. Any language must be approved by legal counsel in order to not run afoul of the no-strike language. Workers may wear t-shirts, hats, jackets, etc., bearing the Local’s insignia.
Worker rights
Should members encounter a WGA or SAG-AFTRA picket line, they have the rights set forth in the April 28, 2023 memorandum.
