Every time I finish a screenplay, the first thing I do is send a PDF to the WGA East and copyright my work. Every writer I know agrees that paying the $20 dollar fee to protect your work is worth it, and every writer agrees that the WGA can be trusted.
The WGA is a union that represents writers of television, film and any other entertainment medium. For years, they have been helping young writers like myself further our careers by not only protecting our original works but also bringing all writers together at yearly conventions, summits, and classes that help writers network. Networking is the key to success in this industry, because it is never what you know but always who you know. Sometimes, who you know isn't good enough either, so it's good to know a handful of respectable leaders and professionals in the industry.
The WGA has gone on strike numerous times throughout history, as all unions do from time to time. The most recent strike of 2007-2008 had a huge impact on television. Numerous shows were cancelled and/or shortened due to the labor conflict, and to an outside eye the strike may have seemed immature and unnecessary. The WGA has always stood up for the writer and his/her best intentions, so when they strike, it's almost always because of a serious conflict that needs resolution.
-Michael
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