Michele Mulroney Elected President of Writers Guild of America West

Michele Mulroney has officially stepped into the role of president of the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW). Her election promises a renewed focus on the health plan for writers and a resolute stance against the issue of “free work”, which has been a persistent challenge for the industry.

Previously serving as the union’s vice president, Mulroney was elected unopposed, taking over the position from Meredith Stiehm, who completed her four-year term.

In addition, Travis Donnelly has been appointed vice president, while Peter Murrieta will serve as the secretary-treasurer. The board has been expanded with the election of eight new members: Molly Nussbaum, Mike Royce, Maggie Levin, Rob Forman, Adam Conover, Matt Ross, Myles Warden, and Marguerite MacIntyre. Cathryn Humphris, who placed ninth in the rankings, will step in for Donnelly to complete a one-year term.

The WGA is set to commence contract negotiations with major studios next year; a significant event occurring for the first time after the 148-day writers’ strike in 2023. In her candidate statement, Mulroney emphasized that the health plan will be a primary concern in these negotiations, noting that it has not received adequate attention since 2017.

“Since then, we have seen healthcare costs soar and contributions to the Plan decline due to industry contraction, necessitating strategic moves to ensure our members continue to receive the exceptional care and benefits they have rightfully fought for,” Mulroney stated.

A seasoned film writer, Mulroney has long championed the fight against “free work,” which refers to the practice of demanding multiple revisions before a “first draft” is even considered. Progress was made on this front in 2023, as the union secured a paid “second step” for writers earning below a specified income threshold. Mulroney pointed out in her statement that the problem of “free work” has now extended to television and needs to be addressed promptly.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), representing studio interests, extended their congratulations to Mulroney following her election. An AMPTP spokesperson remarked, “We look forward to collaborating closely with President Mulroney to tackle pivotal issues affecting WGA writers and to fortify our industry through balanced and fair solutions.”

According to the union, a total of 2,567 ballots were cast during the election, reflecting strong member engagement in the democratic process.