WGAW Executive Director David Young Goes On Medical Leave; Ellen Stutzman To Serve As Chief Negotiator With AMPTP

deadline.com:

There is a major change in the WGA negotiating team ahead of the March 20 start of talks with studios on a new contract. WGAW Executive Director David Young, who has spearheaded multiple bargaining campaigns on behalf of the writers, is going on a medical leave of absence starting today, the guild’s leadership told members in an email this afternoon. “WGAW Assistant Executive Director Ellen Stutzman will serve as chief negotiator for the 2023 MBA negotiations,” the letter said. “Ellen has earned the confidence and full support of the WGAW Board, WGAE Council, and the WGA Negotiating Committee.

She will lead a staff with decades of experience negotiating and enforcing the MBA, and organizing and mobilizing members to support the Guilds’ contract campaigns.” No additional information about Young condition or expected return day has been revealed but the guild’s officers wished him a full recovery on behalf of the entire membership.

It is unclear whether Young would be involved in the negotiations with AMPTP, whose start date remains set for March 20, following his recovery.

Here is the full letter, which highlight’s Stutzman’s extensive background: We wanted to let you know that WGAW Executive Director David Young began a medical leave of absence today.