The Writers Guild of America has officially called an end to the strike, following successful negotiations with the AMPTP. Image: Fabebk, via Wikimedia Commons
On its 148th day, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has officially called an end to the strike, following successful negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
The WGA’s statement said that union leaders “voted unanimously to lift the restraining order and end the strike as of 12:01 am PT/3:01 am ET on Wednesday, September 27th”.
While members still wait to vote to ratify the contract negotiated between the WGA and AMPTP, writers were given the all-clear to return to work.
The ratification vote will be held from Oct 2 to Oct 9, but given the WGA’s enthusiastic endorsement of the contract, it is expected to be received well by union members.
The WGA released the 94-page contract in full, along with a summary of the terms.
The contract includes greater compensation for writers, a new minimum staffing requirements for TV writers’ rooms, improved payment terms and a host of new protections to respond to the introduction of AI technology in the writing process.
It is stated in the contract that AI cannot write or rewrite literary material, and that AI-generated material cannot be considered source material.
A new system will also be introduced to calculate residuals for writers based on viewership for programs aired on streaming services.
Updating contracts and compensation to meet current technologies was a major focus for the guild.
“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” said a statement released by WGA on Sunday, when the deal was tentatively announced.
While the WGA strike might be over, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) remain on strike with no word of talks or negotiation from AMPTP.
The Writers Guild of America encouraged their members to continue striking alongside SAG-AFTRA and acknowledged their support as vital in achieving the contract.
“We would never have had the leverage we had if SAG had not gone out,” said Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner, who continued to strike alongside members of SAG.
“They were very brave to do it.”
