The months-long Hollywood writers strike officially came to an end in the early hours of Wednesday, following union leaders’ endorsement of a proposed contract agreement with Hollywood studios. This sets the stage for a ratification vote by union members.
While the strike, which began on May 2, is now officially over, it remains uncertain how many writers will actually return to work due to the potential continuation of honoring SAG-AFTRA picket lines. The WGA negotiating committee encouraged writers to continue supporting the striking actors on their picket lines.
“This (end of the WGA strike) 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,” wrote the Writers Guild of America negotiating committee in a message to union members on Tuesday. “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 scheduled to take place from October 2nd to October 9th.
The proposed three-year contract agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios, was announced on Sunday night after five consecutive days of negotiating sessions. Some of these sessions were attended by the top studio executives known as the “Gang of Four,” including Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Disney’s Bob Iger, Universal’s Donna Langley, and Warner Bros/Discovery’s David Zaslav.
With the endorsement of the boards of the WGA’s East Coast and West Coast branches, the union also revealed the first detailed overview of the agreement. This includes stepped increases in minimum salaries, with a 5% jump upon ratification, followed by 4% in May 2024 and 3.5% in May 2025. Health and pension contributions will also see increases.
The proposed contract also includes limitations on studios’ use of artificial intelligence, prohibiting AI from writing or rewriting literary material and disallowing AI-generated material from being considered source material that could undermine a writer’s credit.
The proposal also introduces a new residual formula for streaming programs, offering increased pay for particularly successful shows or films. If a show or film is viewed by 20% or more of the service’s domestic subscribers within the first 90 days of release or in any subsequent exhibition year, it will receive a bonus equal to 50% of the fixed domestic and foreign residual, based on the runtime and hours streamed domestically.
Additionally, the agreement includes pay raises for writers employed on TV series and guarantees certain numbers of writers on series based on the number of episodes being produced.
To access a full summary of the contract proposal prepared by the WGA, visit wgacontract2023.org/the-campaign/summary-of-the-2023-wga-mba.
During the strike, SAG-AFTRA actors’ union members joined WGA members on picket lines, resulting in a complete halt of production.
Now that the WGA strike has seemingly come to a resolution, attention is expected to shift towards negotiations with actors. The writers’ union contract proposal may serve as a template for some issues, although actors are seeking larger salary increases. There have been no official announcements regarding the resumption of negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP.
The actors’ union stated that there are currently no scheduled talks.
“At this time, we have no confirmed dates scheduled to meet with the AMPTP. When we do have dates confirmed, we will inform you. Unless you hear it from us, it’s hearsay,” posted SAG-AFTRA on X.
Actors were back on the picket lines outside Hollywood studios as usual on Wednesday morning. The union urged its members to join the ongoing fight for a fair industry through social media.
Prior to this, AMPTP had already reached a contract agreement with the Directors Guild of America.
The WGA negotiating committee commended the determination of union members during the lengthy work stoppage.
“What we have won in this contract — especially everything since May 2nd — is a result of this membership’s willingness to exercise its power, demonstrate its unity, endure the hardships and uncertainties of the past 146 days,” wrote the WGA negotiating team in a message to union members on Sunday night. “It is the leverage generated by your strike, along with the incredible support of our fellow unions, that ultimately brought the companies back to the negotiating table.”
“We can proudly say that this deal is exceptional, with meaningful gains and protections for writers across all sectors of our membership.”
The major networks’ flagship late-night talk shows, including NBC’s “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon,” CBS’ “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” and ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, are among the first entertainment shows expected to resume production as early as next week, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Bill Maher, whose weekly program “Real Time” on HBO is taped at CBS Television City, announced his return on X Tuesday, stating: “My writers and Real Time are back! See you Friday Night!”
Local leaders and even President Joe Biden praised the news of the WGA agreement, commending both parties for reaching a tentative deal that allows writers to continue telling stories.
“This agreement, including assurances related to artificial intelligence, was not easily achieved,” stated Biden in a press release. “But its formation illustrates the power of collective bargaining. There is simply no substitute for employers and employees coming together to negotiate in good faith for an agreement that strengthens businesses and ensures fair compensation, benefits, and dignity for workers. I urge all employers to remember that all workers — including writers, actors, and autoworkers — deserve a fair share of the value their labor helps create.”
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