Meet the Negotiating Committee: David Simon
Bio: David Simon is a television writer and showrunner based in Baltimore. A former newspaperman, he has been a WGAE member for 28 years and recently served five years on the WGAE council.
What prompted you to join the Negotiating Committee?
I joined the negotiating committee at the request of the WGAE officers. As I was finishing five years on the union council, I guess there was a sense that I suddenly had time on my hands.
Tell us about a time when you have felt a strong feeling of solidarity with your fellow writers.
As an adult, I never felt anything other than solidarity with a union. Prior to joining the WGA in 1995, I was a member of the Newspaper Guild for 12 years. I've never been employed without the benefit of collective bargaining and union representation. No working person ever should be.
What makes the 2023 contract cycle different from past ones that you have witnessed or in which you have participated?
This is my first contract negotiation in which I have been a bargaining committee member. But the 2023 contract is exceptionally important. The very structure, process and delivery of television and film production has been transformed over the last decade. The terms of our contract agreement must be transformed as well, or this union will not be able to protect and represent writers in the industry going forward. For the WGA, the future is right now. This is our moment.