The Writers Guild of America West (WGA) has expelled two high-profile members, Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar, for violating the union’s strike rules during the 2023 writers’ strike. The duo worked on the HBO miniseries ‘The Sympathizer‘ despite being on strike, and their actions have now led to their expulsion from the guild.
The WGA Decision
As the WGA notes, the expulsions are the harshest penalty the guild can impose on members, and it is a significant blow to the careers of both Park and McKellar. The two had worked together on the script for the upcoming black comedy ‘No Other Choice,’ which is set to debut in Venice later this month.
The WGA’s decision to expel Park and McKellar comes after a lengthy investigation into their actions during the 2023 strike. The union’s Strike Rules Compliance Committee recommended the expulsion, and the WGA Board has approved it.
Park and McKellar are not the only members of the WGA to face disciplinary action for violating the strike rules. In early April, the guild announced disciplinary action against six members for alleged unauthorized work during the strike, as well as one additional member for an alleged violation of the guild’s constitution.
The WGA’s decision to expel Park and McKellar sends a strong message to its members about the importance of respecting the strike rules and the consequences of violating them. The guild’s constitution states that ‘no suspended or expelled member may be readmitted to membership in the Guild except by action of the Board, which may assess a fine and/or other conditions before readmission.’
Source: Deadline
