The Hollywood writers strike, which lasted for months, is set to conclude on Wednesday. Union leaders have endorsed a proposed contract agreement with Hollywood studios, paving the way for a ratification vote by union members.
The agreement allows writers to resume work for the first time since the strike began on May 2. However, it remains uncertain how quickly writers will return to work, as some may continue to honor picket lines set by SAG-AFTRA.
“This allows writers to return to work during the ratification process, but does not affect the membership’s right to make a final determination on contract approval,” said the Writer Guild of America negotiating committee in a message to union members. “There will be meetings for current members this week before the ratification vote begins.”
The ratification vote by the approximately 11,500 members of the WGA is expected to be held from October 2-9.
The proposed three-year contract agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers includes stepped increases in minimum salaries upon ratification, along with increases in health and pension contributions. The agreement also includes restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence in writing and rewriting literary material, as well as a new residual formula for streaming programs.
The proposal also includes pay increases for TV series writers and employment guarantees for set numbers of writers based on the number of episodes being produced.
A full summary of the contract proposal can be found at wgacontract2023.org/the-campaign/summary-of-the-2023-wga-mba.
The strike led to a halt in production when SAG-AFTRA actors’ union joined the picket lines in mid-July. With the WGA strike resolved, negotiations are expected to shift to actors, potentially using the writers’ union contract proposal as a template.
No talks are currently scheduled between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP, according to the actors union.
The tentative contract agreement led the WGA negotiating committee to suspend picketing activities.
“Instead, if you are able, we encourage you to join the SAG-AFTRA picket lines this week,” the committee told members, praising the resolve of union members during the work stoppage.
The AMPTP previously reached a contract agreement with the Directors Guild of America.
The return of new entertainment shows is expected, with flagship late-night talk shows like “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” heading back to production as early as next week. Bill Maher also announced the return of his weekly program “Real Time” on HBO.
The agreement has been praised by local leaders and President Joe Biden, who commended both sides for reaching a tentative deal that allows writers to continue telling stories.
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