Writers Guild of Canada Overwhelmingly Votes in Favor of Strike Authorization

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) has taken a significant step towards potential strike action, with an overwhelming majority of members voting in favor of authorizing a strike if ongoing talks with the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) do not result in a resolution. The vote, which saw 96.5% of members in favor of a strike mandate, marks a historic moment for the WGC.

WGC Executive Director Victoria Shen emphasized the importance of fair compensation and protections for screenwriters in the evolving industry, stating that while a strike is not guaranteed, the vote sends a strong message to producers that members are prepared to defend themselves if necessary.

In response, the CMPA expressed its commitment to reaching a negotiated settlement with the WGC, highlighting the value of Canadian screenwriters and the importance of human creativity in the industry. The CMPA warned that a labor dispute would be damaging to the Canadian film and television production sector.

Negotiations between the WGC and CMPA have been ongoing for months, with key issues including AI, compensation for animation writers, and minimum participation levels. The potential strike comes after fears have been growing for months, as the previous Independent Production Agreement expired at the end of 2023.

The WGC, which represents 2,500 professional English-language Canadian screenwriters, is determined to secure a fair deal for its members and has the support of other industry unions. If a strike is called, the government would be notified and action would begin 15 days later.

The situation in Canada mirrors the strike action seen in Hollywood last year, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by screenwriters in the industry. The outcome of the negotiations between the WGC and CMPA will have significant implications for the future of Canadian screenwriters and the production sector as a whole.