The Hollywood writers strike, which lasted for months, officially concluded on Wednesday after union leaders endorsed a proposed contract agreement with Hollywood studios. This sets the stage for a ratification vote by union members.
Although the strike officially ended, it remains unclear how many writers will actually return to work, as some may continue to honor SAG-AFTRA picket lines. The WGA negotiating committee has encouraged writers to support the striking actors on their picket lines.
The Writers Guild of America negotiating committee wrote in a message to union members, “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.” Meetings will be held for current members before the ratification vote begins.
The ratification vote by the roughly 11,500 members of the WGA will take place from October 2-9.
Over 1,000 WGA members gathered at the Hollywood Palladium to celebrate the deal. Key members of the negotiating team received thanks and standing ovations.
The proposed three-year contract agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers includes stepped increases of minimum salaries, health and pension contributions, and restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence in writing and rewriting literary material. It also includes a new residual formula for streaming programs that boosts pay for successful shows or films.
The contract proposal also includes increases in pay for TV series writers and employment guarantees for set numbers of writers based on the number of episodes being produced.
For a full summary of the contract proposal, visit wgacontract2023.org/the-campaign/summary-of-the-2023-wga-mba.
The WGA strike was joined by the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union in July, bringing all production to a halt.
With the WGA strike resolved, attention will now turn to negotiations with actors. The writers’ union contract proposal may serve as a template on some issues, although actors are seeking steeper salary increases. No official word has been given regarding resumption of negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP.
The actors’ union announced that its leaders would meet with AMPTP for the first time in months on Monday.
“SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP will meet for bargaining on Monday, Oct. 2. Several executives from AMPTP member companies will be in attendance. As negotiations proceed, we will report any substantive updates directly to you,” SAG-AFTRA posted on X.
Actors resumed picketing outside Hollywood studios and urged all members to join the fight for a fair industry.
The AMPTP previously reached a contract agreement with the Directors Guild of America.
The WGA negotiating committee praised the members’ resolve during the strike and highlighted the gains made in the contract agreement.
“What we have won in this contract is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, demonstrate its solidarity, and endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days,” the negotiating team wrote in a message to union members. “It is the leverage generated by your strike, in concert with the extraordinary support of our union siblings, that finally brought the companies back to the table to make a deal.
“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional, with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership.”
New entertainment shows, including the major networks’ flagship late-night talk shows, are expected to resume production soon. Bill Maher also announced the return of his program on X.
The agreement was praised by local leaders and President Joe Biden, who commended both sides for reaching a tentative deal that allows writers to continue telling stories.
“This agreement, including assurances related to artificial intelligence, is a testament to the power of collective bargaining,” Biden said in a statement. “I urge all employers to remember that all workers deserve a fair share of the value their labor helped create.”
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