The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) took a significant step on Friday by publicly announcing disciplinary actions against six of its members. This decision stems from allegations of unauthorized work carried out during the unions 2023 strike, a critical period for the industry where writers protested for better wages and working conditions. In addition, one member faces disciplinary action for violating the guilds constitution.

Among the disciplined members, four have been specifically named in a memo sent to other guild members, and they are currently appealing the unions decision. The individuals in question include Julie Bush, Tim Doyle, Edward Drake, and Roma Roth, all of whom are contesting the rulings made by the unions board. The board's decisions were reportedly reached through hearings conducted by five-member trial juries, which have caused some division within the guild.

Julie Bush, who has a notable credit as a consulting producer on the hit series Manhunt, has received a suspension from the guild that will last until next year. Her expulsion from holding any non-elected office within the guild is permanent, following the findings that she violated Working Rule 8 by writing for a non-signatory company during the strike. Edward Drake, another member who faced expulsion, was found guilty of writing during the strike and for allegedly not cooperating with the Strike Rules Compliance Committee (SRCC). Meanwhile, Roma Roth, known for her work as an executive producer on Sullivans Crossing and Virgin River, is also expelled for similar reasons.

The case of Tim Doyle, who is recognized for his role as showrunner on Last Man Standing, has attracted significant attention due to a Facebook post that the guild deemed racist and offensive, specifically for its depiction of a lynching. This incident was previously reported by Deadline, highlighting the complexities of maintaining community standards within the industry.

In response to the disciplinary actions, Edward Drake voiced strong objections, describing the boards public announcement of the groups penalties as part of an alarming pattern of overreach and public shaming. He criticized the guild for disregarding the recommendations of their own investigators and the SRCC, suggesting that the boards actions contradict the purpose of these oversight mechanisms intended to protect members. Drake also expressed frustration over the differential treatment of hyphenate members, claiming that his actions were mischaracterized and that he was punished for his openness regarding script changes made in his role as a director.

Similarly, Julie Bush argued that the WGA should have addressed these matters during the guilds annual in-person meeting, as outlined in the guild's constitution. She voiced concerns that the board acted unilaterally, imposing their will without engaging with the membership and adhering to constitutional protocol. Its not a good look, she remarked, criticizing the guild for its handling of the situation.

As per guild regulations, members who have been disciplined are granted the opportunity to appeal the boards decisions to the broader membership. The guild has stated that all members in good standing will have the chance to vote on whether to uphold the disciplinary actions or consider alternative measures proposed by the appealing members. Voting for the four appeals is set to take place online, commencing at 10 a.m. PT on May 6 and concluding at 2 p.m. PT on May 9.