The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has warned members that if they do not go to work in the event that the Writers Guild of America (WGA) calls a strike they could face consequences from their employers.
The DGA is set to begin contract renewal talks on May 10 ahead of the expiry of their basic agreement on June 30.
WGA negotiators are locked in talks with their counterparts at Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) and their contract expires on May 1. Earlier this week WGA members voted overwhelmingly to authorise a strike should those talks fail to yield an agreement.
An internal message to the DGA’s approximately 19,000 members from president Lesli Linka Glatter and national executive director Russell Hollander first published by The Hollywood Reporter reminded members of the “no strike” clause with producers.
“It is an essential element of our Basic Agreement that the Guild not only refrain from striking during the term of the Basic Agreement, but also that the Guild assure Employers that our members will continue to perform DGA-covered services during the term of the Basic Agreement.
“These provisions are treated very seriously by the companies and the courts, and we take these obligations very seriously as well.”
The DGA said it would provide further information to members who belong to both the DGA and WGA in the eventuality of a writers strike.
Studios, streamers, networks and independent producers have been stockpiling screenplays in the event a WGA strike may go ahead. Studios, streamers, networks and independent producers have been stockpiling screenplays in case a WGA strike occurs.
