Hollywood writers signed a tentative agreement with studios and streaming services, bringing an end to a months-long strike that halted much of the production of TV shows and movies.
After five days of discussions, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) reached an agreement on Sunday. The WGA and AMPTP are still working on finalizing the contract text.
“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,” the WGA said in an email to members on Sunday, according to CNN.
“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.”
Awaiting approval and union vote
The language issues around the usage of generative AI in content development were one of the sticking points in the last days before the accord was signed.
However, the standoff is not yet ended because the WGA, which represents over 11,000 authors, has yet to accept the accord. However, the picketing has come to an end. On Tuesday, guild members will vote on whether to formally rescind the strike order against AMPTP signatories.
“To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorized to by the Guild. We are still on strike until then,” the message to members stated
The current strike lasted 146 days and was on track to surpass the longest strike in WGA history, which lasted 154 days in 1988.
“Though we are eager to share the details of what has been achieved with you, we cannot do that until the last ‘i’ is dotted,” the WGA told its members in the e-mail.
“To do so would complicate our ability to finish the job. So, as you have been patient with us before, we ask you to be patient again – one last time.”
