Frequently Asked Questions About the WGAW PAC Dashboard Dashboard

What is a political action committee?

A Political Action Committee (PAC) allows organizations and individuals to pool resources through voluntary contributions for the purpose of donating to political candidates. A PAC gives an organization greater ability to advocate for positions before Congress and in state capitals, and gives unions the resources necessary to hold elected officials accountable.

Why does the WGAW have a PAC?

Simply put, we cannot afford not to. Formed in 2008, the PAC has given the WGAW direct access to decision makers and allowed us to develop critical relationships with policymakers. The PAC allows us to fight against media consolidation and concentrated corporate power, for increased competition and opportunities for writers and to preserve and strengthen the labor movement. Collective bargaining remains our most important and powerful tool, but we must also exercise our political power in the legislative and regulatory process to advance the interests of writers.

Many of our supporters in Congress are engaged in a tough battles for reelection and many of our opponents are vulnerable in their races. If we don’t organize to support our allies, many of them might lose to candidates opposed to our issues.

Do other unions have PACs?

Many entertainment unions, including the DGA, Teamsters, and IATSE have well-funded PACs. In addition, unions in every segment of the American labor movement have PACs.

A labor union PAC is not a Super PAC. A labor union PAC can accept contributions of up to $5,000 per year per individual and may contribute up to $5,000 per election to a candidate.

What kind of issues does the WGAW support?

There are critical issues being debated in Washington that influence what happens to writers. The PAC Board makes decisions to endorse and contribute to candidates that support the issues that most affect writers. Among the WGAW's priorities are the following:

Health and Pension Benefits

WGA members have fought for decades to maintain our health and pension plans. Our advocacy in Washington ensures that legislation protects these key benefits. We successfully fought to delay implementation of the “Cadillac Tax,” which would unfairly burden our health plan. We advocate for policies that protect our pension plan and the PAC ensures that we elect candidates who understand the importance of these benefits.

Labor

As rates of unionization continue to decline, it is more important than ever that we strengthen, rather than weaken, labor unions nationwide. The threat of a national “right to work” law looms, as twenty eight states have already passed such legislation, which requires workers and their unions to cover the costs of non-union members who benefit from union contracts. These laws weaken the bargaining power of unions and have been shown to drive down wages. The Guild remains concerned about all threats to our right to collectively bargain and to organize, which is why we support pro-labor candidates through the PAC.

Open Internet

The WGAW has been a champion of the open Internet for more than a decade. Writers have long understood the importance of keeping the Internet free from gatekeeper control and giving consumers the power to access the legal content of their choice. We helped bring about the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 2015 Open Internet Rules and we have continued to fight to defend these necessary rules. With the current administration gutting the 2015 rules, we must work with elected officials to permanently protect the open Internet.

Media Consolidation

Since the 1990s, consolidation among networks and studios has given a handful of major media conglomerates tight control of content production. Recognizing the harm media consolidation causes to competition, consumers and content creators, the Guild has been at the forefront of the fight to stop these harmful mergers, including the Comcast – Time Warner Cable merger, the AT&T – Time Warner merger and now the Disney – Fox merger. While the rise of Internet distribution has brought increased competition and new buyers into the market, increased consolidation threatens the progress that has been made. The WGAW will continue to be active in D.C. opposing media mergers that only promote anti-competitive behavior.

Independent Production

Writers and consumers benefit from a vibrant market with diverse and independent producers. The long decline in independent production has limited whose stories are told. Today, independent production is growing because of the online video market, but media consolidation continues to threaten the progress that’s being made. The WGAW is committed to supporting innovative ways for independent producers to flourish.

Copyright Protection

Protecting our work is critical. Writers rely on residuals as a vital form of compensation. But when films and television shows are pirated, we all lose. Diminishing piracy remains an important objective, which the Guild believes must be balance with the similarly important objectives of free speech, due process, the right to privacy and the open Internet.

How is the PAC administered?

The PAC is administered by a committee composed as follows:

The three officers of the WGAW Board (Board) – President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer serve on the PAC Board. In addition to the three officers, the Board can appoint additional Board members to the PAC.

The Board appoints at-large members to the PAC, who must be current WGAW members in good standing and not serving on the Board. The WGAW Executive Director is a member of the PAC and can appoint one additional staff employee to serve as well.

The PAC Board fundraises for the PAC and develops criteria and procedures for evaluating candidates and approving all contributions. The criteria are reviewed and approved by the WGAW Board.

Does the PAC use member dues for campaign contributions?

No. Federal election law prohibits using union dues to make contributions to federal candidates. The PAC is funded from voluntary contributions made by WGAW members.

The media conglomerates spend millions of dollars each year on politics. Can we compete with their money and resources?

Yes. There are strict limits to the amount any PAC, corporation or individual can contribute to a candidate. The federal limits on contributions allow us to be competitive in our candidate contributions.

Why would I give to a PAC when I can just write my own checks to candidates?

By collectively speaking for writers’ interests in Washington, the WGAW PAC is able to advocate on issues in ways an individual cannot. Many WGAW members also continue to make individual contributions to candidates of their choice.

Shouldn’t the WGAW focus on representing members and the enforcing the MBA?

Negotiating and enforcing the MBA remain the Guild's top priorities. The PAC complements these efforts by giving writers a voice in politics.

How does the PAC decide how to make contributions?

The PAC contributes to candidates who share our concerns on matters such as the open Internet, health and pension plans and media consolidation, without regard to political affiliation. Incumbents who are on key Congressional committees are prioritized. Candidates are sent a questionnaire asking their positions on the WGAW’s public policy priorities. Any candidate who returns it will be considered for endorsement. If you know of candidates for federal office you would like the PAC to consider, please contact us.

To whom has the WGAW PAC contributed?

Click here to see a comprehensive list of elected officials and candidates who have received WGAW PAC contributions and/or endorsements.

How does the WGAW PAC Committee decide which candidates will receive contributions and endorsements?

All candidates seeking support from the WGAW PAC are either evaluated based on their record in Congress or complete a questionnaire, which is reviewed by the PAC board prior to contribution decisions.

How do I contribute to the PAC?

If you would like to contribute to the PAC, go here to access our contribution form.