SOURCE NOTE · Field Notes

Writers Want a Say Before the Rewrite

The Writers Guild of America West's contract guidance offers a concrete example of labor protections around AI use.

By Research Desk · October 6, 2026

The WGA says companies cannot require covered writers to use AI software in performing writing services.

The Writers Guild of America West says its 2023 agreement classifies neither traditional nor generative AI as a writer. Its published guidance also says a company cannot require a writer to use AI software when performing writing services.

The protection is a sector-specific labor rule, not a declaration that every use of AI is prohibited. It is useful here because it concerns agency, credit, disclosure, and the conditions under which a person is asked to work.

Readers should consult the guild's guidance directly for the full contractual language and any updates.

Source: WGA AI rights guidance