Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers resumed talks last week and inked a tentative deal ending the ongoing writers’ strike.
As per US media reports, the WGA and AMPTP are still drafting the final contract language.
The WGA negotiation committee wrote in a letter to members Sunday night, “What we have won in this contract – most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2nd – is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days.”
“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.”
Hollywood scribes initiated a work stoppage in early May as negotiations broke down with studios including Disney, Paramount, Universal and Warner Bros and Discovery.
Protection against use of AI
Television and film writers sought protections against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) along with the increases in compensation for streamed content. The contract is yet to get the final nod from WGA and AMTP boards.
Strike is not over
WGA leadership clarified that the strike is not over and no members of the guild are to return to work until that agreement is officially ratified.
The acting guild wrote in a statement: “SAG-AFTRA congratulates the WGA on reaching a tentative agreement with the AMPTP after 146 days of incredible strength, resiliency and solidarity on the picket lines. While we look forward to reviewing the WGA and AMPTP’s tentative agreement, we remain committed to achieving the necessary terms for our members.”
