The Writers Guild of America (WGA) West recently held an election during the ongoing writers’ strike, resulting in the re-election of Meredith Stiehm as president and Michele Mulroney as vice president. The election also saw the incumbent Betsy Thomas winning the seat for secretary-treasurer.
During the voting period, which ran from August 29 to September 19, candidates for various officer positions were vying for support from the union’s members. Notable candidates included Rich Talarico, who had been running for president, and Isaac Gómez, who had been running for vice president. In the end, Stiehm and Mulroney secured their positions as president and vice president, respectively.
In addition to the officer positions, seats on the union’s board of directors were also up for election. Incumbents Adam Conover, Nicole Yorkin, Dailyn Rodriguez, Zoe Marshall, and Dante W. Harper successfully retained their seats. They were joined by new candidates Molly Nussbaum, Scott Alexander, and Rob Forman.
The election saw a strong participation from the WGA West membership, with 3,783 valid ballots cast. This number demonstrates the high level of engagement from the union’s members and their commitment to the future direction of the organization. As of March 31, 2023, the union reported a membership of 25,120 members.
This election held particular significance as it served as a mid-strike referendum on the current WGA leadership. The overwhelming support for the incumbent leaders, both for officer positions and board of director seats, indicates that the voting members are satisfied with the current direction of the union. The re-election of these leaders suggests a unified front and a shared vision for the future of the WGA West.
The election was administered by Votenet Solutions, ensuring a fair and transparent process. The involvement of a reputable third-party organization added credibility to the election and ensured that the voices of the membership were heard. The WGA West has always prioritized democratic processes, and this election was no exception.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the newly elected leaders will navigate the ongoing writers’ strike and represent the interests of the WGA West membership. With their re-election, Stiehm, Mulroney, and Thomas, along with the rest of the board of directors, will continue to advocate for fair working conditions, appropriate compensation, and creative autonomy for writers.
As the strike progresses, the WGA West will likely play a crucial role in negotiations with studios and production companies. The support and trust shown by the voting members during the election will undoubtedly bolster the union’s position and strengthen their ability to advocate effectively on behalf of their members.
In conclusion, the recent election held by the WGA West showcased a strong support for the existing leadership and their strategic direction for the union. The re-election of Meredith Stiehm as president, Michele Mulroney as vice president, and Betsy Thomas as secretary-treasurer, along with the voting in of incumbent and new board members, highlights the union’s commitment to serving its members during this challenging period of the writers’ strike. With a high turnout and a transparent election process, the WGA West can move forward with confidence and work toward achieving the goals and aspirations of its membership.
