Top 10 reasons to join us

1. Pay

WGGB negotiates agreements on pay with major industry bodies, including BBC, ITV, PACT and Netflix; the Royal Court, National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company. The more members we have, the stronger we are as a union, and the more we can push for improved deals.

2. Decent conditions

WGGB agreements also cover writers’ working conditions, and the terms of their contracts. These include a wide range of issues – from bullying to rehearsal attendance – and protect writers from exploitation.

3. A campaigning union

WGGB has a powerful voice in the entertainment industries and campaigns on issues that affect writers. It contributes to public debate via our lobbyists in Westminster, the devolved governments and beyond, and has major international affiliations, which enable it to keep ahead of a rapidly changing digital landscape.

4. Get involved

As a WGGB member you can join one of our craft, national or regional committees, or become a member of our Executive Council. These offer a great way to participate in the running of your union and have a positive impact on writers’ lives.

5. Free contract vetting

WGGB provides a contract vetting service for Full and Candidate Members. It is run by WGGB staff and outsourced to external contract vetters when necessary.

6. Support and advice

Writing can be an isolated profession. As a WGGB member, you will receive the full backing of a professionally run trade union, including advice from our experienced staff, fellow members and, where required, specialist media lawyers (support and advice is available to Full, Candidate and Affiliate Members). Networking events give you the chance to meet and share issues with fellow writers.

7. Pension

Full Members working in film, TV or radio can join the WGGB pension scheme. This requires that the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 or an independent production company pays an employer’s contribution of their fee directly into their pension fund.

8. Weekly ebulletin

All WGGB members receive a weekly ebulletin, sent out every Friday and packed full of news, events, jobs and writing opportunities.

9. Free and discounted training

As a member of WGGB you are eligible for free and discounted training. This includes online workshops on a wide variety of subjects.

10. Other perks and discounts

These include discounts off tickets at selected theatres, Black List services and Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. Full Members are also eligible to apply for Cannes Accreditation, have an entry in the WGGB Find A Writer online directory, and to pay no joining fee for the Writers Guild of America, East or West (if they are eligible for membership). See the full list of exclusive member discounts