Residuals Business Representative

Writers Guild of America West

The Writers Guild of America West is seeking a candidate for a phenomenal opportunity as a Residuals Business Representative. This is a full-time exempt (salaried) position with full benefits and offers a hybrid work schedule with assigned in office and remote days. This position is a grade 11.

The WGAW is a democratic, progressive labor union representing 10,000 members, who are writers of motion pictures, television/streaming shows, radio, podcasts, news, and more, and who are employed by major media companies. Founded in 1933, our primary focus is to improve and safeguard economic and creative rights by building member power and fighting for strong labor contracts. The WGAW is involved in a wide range of dynamic programs that advance the interests of writers. We actively engage in public policy, legislative, and regulatory matters on the local, national, and international stage. Over the years, and during unprecedented corporate consolidation and technological change, WGAW members have consistently taken on difficult issues to challenge the industry status quo and to win better working conditions for themselves and their families.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Counsel and the Legal Services Director, the position investigates alleged violations of the collective bargaining agreement, writers’ personal services and purchase agreements as part of the grievance and arbitration process with respect to Residuals Claims, and pursues remedies on behalf of writers and the Guild, including handling all aspects of certain arbitration claims as assigned.

REQUIRED FUNCTIONS

· Investigates alleged violations of the collective bargaining agreement and/or writers’ personal services and/or purchase agreements as part of the grievance and arbitration process, and, as needed, makes initial determination whether claim exists;

· Communicates with potential claimants and witnesses by phone or in person;

· Communicates with writers about issues of strategic importance to the Guild and membership;

· Obtains and analyzes documents and other evidence from writers, agents, attorneys, companies, and/or other departments in the Guild to investigate and support the claim.

· Prepares residuals schedules, including compilation of statistical data and charts for arbitration hearings and settlement negotiations;

· Writes demand letters and other correspondence to companies;

· Attempts to resolve claims with company representatives, negotiates settlements and prepares settlement agreements, stipulated arbitration awards and related documents.

· Prepares and files arbitration claims and court complaints;

· Selects arbitrators to hear arbitration cases under the supervision of the Director of Legal Services or Senior Counsel;

· Represents the Guild in arbitrations, as assigned, including but not limited to the preparation of the case for hearing, presenting the Guild’s case in arbitration, and drafting briefs;

· Writes memoranda summarizing and analyzing facts and issues in claims as needed;

· Communicates with lawyers, companies and members regarding legal notices and information requests, and prepares responses to such documents;

· Prepares, serves, and responds to information requests and subpoenas;

· Maintains and organizes company response to information requests and subpoenas; and

· Other duties as required.

OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

· College degree required; certificate in paralegal studies a plus.

· Must be computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.

· Must have good oral and written communication skills and be highly motivated.

· Union organizing or enforcement experience a plus.

· Experience with Lexis Nexis a plus.

· Familiarity with the entertainment industry is a plus.

· This individual must have strong research skills, interact well with others, be detail-oriented and well organized, be able to perform all duties and tasks in a fast-paced department with heavy deadlines, efficiently prioritize the workload and ensure timely completion of required tasks.

· Must have the ability to manage telephone volume with tact and discretion.

· Must be able to handle sensitive, confidential material in a professional manner.

Salary range - $75k - $100k.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should email cover letter and résumé to the Human Resources Department of the Writers Guild at recruitment@wga.org.

For more information on the WGAW, please visit: www.wga.org

WGAW is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage qualified people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Posted: Aug. 9, 2024, 9:10 a.m.