

What happens if I resign from the WGA?
After you resign from the WGA, you will be considered a “financial core” member of the WGA, which means that your only obligation to the union is to pay uniform union dues and initiation fees during the term of the WGA Agreement. In that case, the WGA cannot fine or coerce you for working during a strike. Moreover, you will not lose any rights under the Minimum Basic Agreement, including residuals and pension and health benefits. The WGA must also continue to represent you fairly in bargaining and grievance handling whether or not you are a full WGA member. As a “financial core” member, you may not be able to engage in certain union activities such as attending union meetings and voting in union elections or ratifications.
Can the WGA prohibit me from resigning during a strike?
No. The National Labor Relations Act provides that you may resign at any time by giving written notice to your union.
After a strike, can the WGA prevent me from working if I resigned?
Absolutely not. The National Labor Relations Act guarantees that if you resign from the WGA and go to “financial core” status you have the right to continue to work and your only obligation will be to pay those union dues and initiation fees which are uniformly imposed on all workers during the term of the Minimum Basic Agreement.
How does someone resign from the WGA?
The WGA Constitution provides the following procedure: “[The resignation must be] tendered in writing, signed by the member, and personally delivered to and receipted for by an officer or employee of the Guild or mailed by certified or registered mail to the Board of Directors.” (Article IV(F)). You should be aware that your resignation does not become effective until it is received by the union. It makes sense to keep a receipt for your records and protection.
If I am not a WGA member and write during a strike, am I banned from working in the WGA jurisdiction forever?
WGA may deny, in the future, full membership to non-members who work during a strike. However, they may not deny “financial core” membership. As a member who went “financial core,” you are entitled to all the benefits of the collective bargaining agreement, including the exact same WGA representation in any grievance and the exact same pension and health plan rights. Also, as a “financial core” member, the WGA cannot fine or coerce you for working during a strike.
More on Financial Core
What does "FINANCIAL CORE" status mean? One actor explains:
I hold Financial Core membership in both AFTRA and SAG, and am fully covered by union contracts and benefits when doing union jobs. "Financial core status" talent pays the portion of dues that covers the "financial core" of union activities, but not the portion covering any political activities the unions may undertake.
Since Financial Core members do not carry a union card, vote in union elections or run for union office, we can also accept non-union work as well. While Financial Core status is not yet widely known, it is becoming more so. Its legality is recognized in accordance with the United States Supreme Court decision, "CWA v. Beck," of June 29, 1988, and applies to all unions, not just AFTRA and SAG.
(soapdom.com)