Hollywood Writers End 145-Day Strike with Tentative New Labor Deal
After more than four-and-a-half months on strike, Hollywood writers have finally reached a tentative deal with studios on a new labor contract. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents major Hollywood studios, announced the agreement following intense negotiations in Los Angeles.
Details of the deal have not been revealed yet, as it still needs to be ratified by the WGA’s approximately 11,000 members. The involvement of prominent studio chiefs like Disney’s CEO Bob Iger and Netflix’s CEO Ted Sarandos in the negotiations underscores the significance of reaching a resolution.
With the strike coming to an end, the AMPTP will now focus on resuming talks with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). The solidarity between the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, with approximately 65,000 actors joining the picket lines, led to a complete shutdown of scripted production in Hollywood.
Notably, this simultaneous strike was the first since 1960, and it has had a major impact on California’s economy. The film and television production industry provides over 700,000 jobs and contributes nearly $70 billion in wages annually, according to the California Film Commission.
Some of the key issues raised by both unions include increasing residual payments from streaming services and addressing concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence. The WGA has expressed concerns about the streaming model impacting the livelihood of middle-class writers, who often face inconsistent work and reduced staffing in television writers’ rooms due to the rise of shorter seasons.
In their demand for higher residual payments, the WGA sought greater transparency in streaming viewership data. In response, the AMPTP emphasized that television writers usually receive a guaranteed number of weeks or episodes when hired, along with producing credits and substantial fringe benefits such as pension contributions and healthcare.
The 145-day strike faced obstacles and contention, with the WGA advocating for fair treatment of writers in the evolving landscape of television production. They highlighted the need for sustainable employment and opportunities in an industry impacted by changing dynamics.
The conclusion of this strike brings relief to Hollywood writers who have sought to secure their interests amidst the shifting landscape of the entertainment industry. The ratification process will determine the acceptance of the proposed labor deal and pave the way for smoother operations in the world of television and film production.
