In a major development for the entertainment industry, the Writers Guild of America, known as WGA, has reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios to bring an end to a grueling 146-day strike. This milestone agreement was achieved after intense negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), representing major studios and streaming services, including Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, and Netflix.
WGA spokesperson Bob Hopkinson confirmed the news in an email to Insider, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of WGA members and other union allies who joined the picket lines during the strike. Both WGA and AMPTP released joint statements, confirming the tentative agreement.
While specific details of the agreement have not yet been disclosed, Bloomberg reported some key highlights, including salary increases for writers, enhanced sharing of viewership data, performance-based bonuses, and guaranteed minimum staffing levels on shows.
The strike, which began on May 2 and involved over 10,000 WGA members, gained additional momentum when over 160,000 union members from SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, joined the picket lines on July 14. As of now, actors remain on strike until they reach their own agreement with the AMPTP.
SAG-AFTRA congratulated WGA on their tentative deal but emphasized their commitment to achieving favorable terms for their members. The resumption of work for writers is contingent on the finalization and approval of the agreement by WGA leadership.
This joint strike by writers and actors marked the first such labor action against studios in over 60 years, significantly impacting the entertainment industry. Late-night television shows and production of numerous films and TV series were halted during the strike.
The strike underscored contentious issues related to compensation and protection against artificial intelligence, reflecting the industry’s evolving landscape due to the rise of streaming platforms. Both unions demanded better terms, including addressing shorter TV seasons and diminishing residual payments.
The Union Solidarity Coalition (TUSC), a support organization created during the strike, celebrated the agreement and pledged ongoing activism and fundraising efforts. The Directors Guild of America (DGA) applauded the WGA-AMPTP deal and urged Hollywood companies to resume negotiations with striking actors.
This pivotal agreement brings hope for the revival of the entertainment industry after months of disruption and uncertainty. Stay tuned for more details as the precise terms of the agreement are revealed.
