In a significant moment for Hollywood, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) membership has overwhelmingly approved its contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The strike, which lasted a draining 148 days, has finally come to a close, marking a turning point in the writers’ continuous struggle for better terms and conditions.
The numbers speak for themselves: out of the 11,000 members of the WGA from both the East and West factions, an astounding 99% cast their votes, with a landslide of 8,435 members voting in favor of ratifying the three-year Minimum Basic Agreement. A mere 90 votes were against the deal, illuminating the unity and collective determination among the writers.
This new contract, which spans from September 25, 2023, to May 31, 2026, sees significant gains for writers. The advancements span several areas, including the establishment of AI guidelines, an improvement in residuals, enhanced transparency in data handling, and provisions to improve writers room staffing. Additionally, writers will enjoy pay increases, further solidifying the strength of this deal.
While this deal comes as a sigh of relief, it reminds many of the tumultuous 1988 writers’ strike, which previously held the record as the longest. The still striking Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) also remains in the spotlight, as they’ve recently resumed their talks with AMPTP.
It’s essential to trace the journey of the WGA strike: initiated 15 years after its previous one, the writers took a firm stand on May 2 when the last contract with studios and streamers expired. For over 100 days, communication between both parties was frozen, leaving the entertainment industry in limbo. But, in September, power players from Warner Bros, Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Disney stepped in to steer the talks towards a resolution.
The unanimous support from the WGA West Board and WGA East Council for the new agreement showcases the guild’s unified front. Both WGAW President Meredith Stiehm and WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi lauded the collective effort, emphasizing the key roles played by many, including WGA Chief Negotiator Ellen Stutzman and the WGA Negotiating Committee.
The AMPTP’s response to the ratification was more reserved. Carol Lombardini-led AMPTP acknowledged the significance of writers returning to work, recognizing it as a crucial step for the industry.
Writers across the country eagerly cast their votes, and while the Q&A session at the guild headquarters saw limited attendance, many believe it was because writers had voted early on. This strong ratification contrasts with the 2007/08 strike, where 93.6% ratified the deal from 4,060 votes.
With writers now officially back to their desks, there’s hope in the air for the actors. Despite their ongoing strike, there’s optimism that their negotiations are progressing positively. Shows have restarted their writing rooms, and viewers can expect their favorite broadcasts to resume soon.
As the industry awaits the outcome of the SAG-AFTRA negotiations, the WGA’s triumph serves as a testament to the power of unity and the persistent fight for fairness in the entertainment industry. Today, while picketing took a pause in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the struggle continues. The hope is that the industry can soon fully return to its vibrant, dynamic self, with writers and actors both getting their deserved recognition and rights.
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