Major Hollywood Studios and Writers Guild Tentatively End Strike after 146 Days, Boosting Pay and Addressing AI Use
After 146 days of strike, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and major Hollywood studios have reached a tentative deal that could bring an end to the prolonged standoff. The proposed three-year contract, subject to union members’ ratification, aims to address the writers’ concerns over pay rates, residual payments for streaming shows, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry.
The WGA negotiating committee expressed satisfaction with the tentative pact, stating that the deal offers meaningful gains and protections for writers across different sectors of the membership. The strike, which began on May 2, was prompted by the writers’ fears of their livelihoods being threatened by industry shifts, particularly those brought about by the rise of streaming platforms.
Although the tentative agreement with the WGA is a significant development, attention will now turn to the stalled negotiations with the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). The leadership hopes to expedite discussions with the performers union, which has been on strike since mid-July, in order to bring the industry back to work.
Before finalizing the deal, the WGA staff will meticulously review the contract to ensure that all provisions align with the interests of its members. The negotiating committee will subsequently vote on whether to recommend the agreement for approval by the WGA West board and WGA East council. These crucial leadership votes are scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
Following the tentative deal, writers have been advised not to resume work until authorized by the guild. However, picketing activities will be suspended for the time being. The WGA members have taken to social media to declare their victory, highlighting the unity and perseverance that contributed to the successful outcome of the strike.
While the strikes have undoubtedly resulted in financial sacrifices for crew members and taken a toll on small businesses dependent on the entertainment industry, the tentative agreement offers hope for the resumption of normalcy. The aim now is to strike a balance that protects the interests of both creators and studio executives, while navigating the evolving landscape shaped by technological advancements.
In summary, the tentative agreement between the WGA and major Hollywood studios has paved the way for an end to the 146-day strike, subject to union members’ approval. The deal addresses key concerns raised by writers, such as boosting pay rates and residual payments for streaming shows, as well as setting new rules for the use of AI. With the industry focused on resolving the ongoing labor disputes and resuming production, the entertainment world can expect to witness a potential end to the strikes that have upended the sector for the past several months.
