Showrunner’s AsSistants
Campaign H.Q.
Why are Showrunner’s Assistants signing Union cards?
Other writers’ room support staff roles, Writers’ Room Assistants and Script Coordinators, are protected by IATSE Local 871. They have a minimum rates, premium-free healthcare, and retirement benefits. Showrunner’s Assistants don’t have these protections, but we want to change that.
Signing an authorization card is the first step towards a collective bargaining agreement for Showrunner’s Assistants. It does not obligate you to join the union.
When we get the majority of those working as Showrunner’s Assistants to sign a card, we are one step closer to guaranteed representation and winning the contract we deserve.
If you worked as a Showrunner’s Assistant in the last 18 months, sign a card today!
What are the benefits of being in the union?
- ✓ A minimum rate. For instance, the current minimum rate in the Basic Agreement for Script Coordinators and Writers’ Room Assistants is $29.64/hour.
- ✓ Health care. IATSE members receive premium-free, comprehensive health insurance which can potentially follow you for up to a year and a half after your employment concludes. The health insurance includes comprehensive medical, hospital, prescription drug, behavioral health and substance abuse, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage.
- ✓ Pension benefits. The IATSE health and pension plans are 100% paid for and contributed to by the employer.
- ✓ Representation that fights on your behalf. Your union representative is your champion against the studios/ your boss on a variety of issues. Always a call away.
- ✓ Community. Your Union is a built-in community full of resources, shared lived experiences, and camaraderie.
Fighting for the future.
If you’ve already signed a card but want to get more involved, we’d love your help! Here’s how you can get more involved:
Step 1. Get every Showrunner’s Assistant you know to sign a card.
Step 2. Join the Showrunner’s Assistant Organizing Committee. The organizing committee phone banks every other week to 1) map the current workforce and 2) make sure every Showrunner’s Assistant knows about this campaign.
Do you want to spread the word and help mobilize other Showrunner’s Assistants? Do you have strong feelings about what Showrunner’s Assistants should prioritize when we get to the contract stage of the campaign? Then join the Showrunner’s Assistant Organizing Committee.
Have questions?
Want to understand exactly how the card signing campaign works? Wonder why you should join IATSE 871 when you’re planning on joining the WGA? Have another question?
Check out our FAQ section!