The Writers Guild of America West (WGA), a labor union representing film, television, radio, and news media writers, released the results of a survey they performed on sexual harassment in their industry. They found that 64 percent of female writers had experienced some form of sexual harassment during their careers. They also learned that 11 percent of male writers had experienced sexual harassment, and that many other writers had witnessed sexual harassment. Much of the harassment occurred in the writers’ room.
Approximately one-fifth of active Writers Guild members, of which there are more than 2,000, participated in the survey. The survey was issued so the organization could gauge how well they were handling complaints. They are using the information they have gathered as a starting point for initiating change in the industry.
The Writers Guild released a Statement of Principles on Sexual Harassment, which creates a foundation for policies and actions, in the hope that it will initiate meaningful change in the industry. The organization is also looking into creating a series of talks among members to discuss the creation of standards for more successful exchanges in the writing room.
This moral exploration comes after the fallout of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, which began in the entertainment industry, and has opened conversations about sexual harassment in all industries. Since then, numerous victims have come forward to tell their own stories, often prompted by the MeToo movement, which encourages people to speak out.
If you have experienced sexual harassment or discrimination at work, call the Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. We will guide you toward making the best decisions to protect your workplace rights. Please call 215-569-1999 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are in Philadelphia, and we serve clients from the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
