WGAW Recommendations for In-Person Writers Rooms
via email from wga.org
July 26, 2021
Dear Members,
Some writers and studios have asked the Guild for guidance about health and safety standards for in-person work while COVID-19 continues to be a concern. Our priority continues to be to protect the well-being of writers in the workplace.
For those of you overseeing production or working on a set, updated COVID-19 safety protocols have been announced which include permission for studios to mandate vaccinations for those working in production Zone A.
As for writers’ rooms, we understand that most continue to remain remote. State and local COVID-19 health and safety rules that govern office spaces continue to be in flux. In L.A. County, for example, in-person writers’ rooms are permitted, but as of July 17th masks are required indoors for all employees regardless of vaccination status.
Here are our recommendations for in-person writers’ rooms:
First, your employer is responsible for instituting and following all applicable safety standards when they decide to conduct an in-person writers’ room. Studio standards should be at least as stringent as state, local, and federal public health and OSHA orders. All employees who are on-site in a writers’ room or on a production site should receive a copy of the studio’s COVID-19 safety protocols.
Second, we recommend that everyone on-site in a writers’ room be fully vaccinated.
Third, we recommend that writers should be given the option and accommodations needed to participate in the writers’ room remotely, even if others are working in person. For the continued health and safety of everyone, the willingness or ability to participate in an in-person writers’ room should not be a condition of employment at this time.
Most importantly we want to remind you to contact the Guild if you ever feel unsafe at your workplace.
If you need assistance advocating for yourself and the writers you work with; have questions or concerns about the health and safety of your particular workplace; or are concerned about available accommodations or your studio’s protocols, email the Guild or call Jennifer Barbee at 323-782-4521 for assistance.
In Solidarity,
WGAW Board of Directors
David A. Goodman, President
Marjorie David, Vice President
Michele Mulroney, Secretary-Treasurer
Liz Alper
Angelina Burnett
Patti Carr
Robb Chavis
Travis Donnelly
Ashley Gable
Dante W. Harper
Eric Haywood
Deric A. Hughes
Zoe Marshall
Luvh Rakhe
David Slack
Meredith Stiehm
Betsy Thomas
Patric M. Verrone
Nicole Yorkin
