The Writers Guild of America is gearing up for a crucial battle, and they've revealed their strategic leaders for the upcoming contract negotiations. This is the first time the Guild has entered talks since their historic 2023 strike, and the stakes are high.
At the forefront of this battle is Ellen Stutzman, the Executive Director of WGA West, who has been appointed to lead the bargaining team once again. Stutzman's experience and leadership were instrumental in the 2023 strike, where she navigated complex negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) during a lengthy 148-day strike. Her efforts resulted in significant wins for the union, including the first-ever AI protections and bonuses for successful streaming programs.
But here's where it gets interesting: Stutzman stepped into the chief negotiator role unexpectedly in 2023, taking over from David Young, who had to take a sudden medical leave of absence. Despite the challenges, Stutzman's leadership was praised, and she's now leading the charge once more.
Joining Stutzman as co-chairs of the 2026 negotiating committee are John August, the co-host of the popular Scriptnotes podcast and screenwriter of Aladdin and Big Fish, and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, the creator and writer-producer of Survival of the Thickest. Both August and Sanchez-Witzel bring valuable experience from their roles on the 2023 negotiating committee.
The 2026 negotiating committee is a diverse group, representing members from both the East and West Coast branches of the union. It includes a mix of talented writers, producers, and industry veterans, such as Ali Barthwell, Yahlin Chang, Stan Chervin, and many more.
And this is the part most people miss: the top leaders of both WGA branches will also be actively involved in the bargaining process. WGA West President Michele Mulroney, Vice President Travis Donnelly, and Secretary-Treasurer Peter Murrieta, along with their counterparts from WGA East - President Tom Fontana, Vice President Michael Rauch, and Secretary-Treasurer Sasha Stewart - will bring their expertise and influence to the table.
While the WGA hasn't publicly announced their bargaining priorities yet, it's expected that they'll focus on securing their challenged health plan and establishing even stronger protections against AI. These issues are at the forefront of the industry's concerns, and the Guild aims to address them head-on.
In 2026, the union will face a new challenge with a new chief negotiator on the other side of the table: Greg Hessinger, the newly appointed president of AMPTP, who replaced longtime leader Carol Lombardini in April.
As the negotiations unfold, one thing is certain: the Writers Guild of America is ready to fight for their rights and the future of their industry. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!
