Los Angeles - The Writers Guild of America has announced that a judge has dismissed an unfair labor practice complaint filed against it by NBC, which claimed the guild had unlawfully pressured writer-producers at top NBC shows not to write "webisodes."

When NBC announced last year that it would produce original material for the Internet based on shows including "The Office" and "Heroes," the guild encouraged its members not to write for them until contracts could be updated to negotiate extra pay, benefits and other protections.

NBC then filed charges at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), arguing that the guild's actions were illegal.

An administrative law judge assigned to the case ruled that "unions have a First Amendment right to communicate with their members," and found no evidence that the guild "restrained or coerced" its members.

"While we disagree and are disappointed with the judge's decision, we are pleased it serves to clarify that the guild cannot prevent show runners and writer-producers from supervising the writing of webisodes and other content made for the Internet," an NBC spokesman told the Los Angeles Times.

"Our focus remains on reaching a fair, negotiated settlement for work in these new technology markets -- to the mutual benefit of writers and the companies for which they work," said Writers Guild executive director David Young.

Related Links:
http://www.wga.org/subpage_newsevents.aspx?id=2322

http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-fi-nbc22feb22,1,1254262.story