Just in time for fall, it looks like Hot Labor Summer is coming to an end, at least for those in the Writers Guild of America (WGA)
Announced on Sunday night, after a strike by writers that has lasted 146 days, the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) say that they have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year deal.
WGA West posted to X (formerly known as Twitter), that the deal was made possible by, “the enduring solidarity of WGA members and extraordinary support of our union siblings who stood with us for over 146 days. More details coming after contract language is finalized.”
The strike began on May 2nd, and while it technically continues until the contract is presented to WGA East and West boards for approval, which could take several days, WGA officials announced that all picketing and protesting has been suspended.
Negotiators for the WGA and AMPTP had been in closed-door meetings for the last five days, hoping to end the stand-off. Issues dividing the two parties included fair compensation for writers, particularly with the proliferation of streaming services, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating content.
Now, attention turns to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which has been ongoing for 73 days, with the hope that it will also be resolved soon.
Below is the complete message that the WGA sent to members tonight:
DEAR MEMBERS,
We have reached a tentative agreement on a new 2023 MBA, which is to say an agreement in principle on all deal points, subject to drafting final contract language.
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.
We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership.
What remains now is for our staff to make sure everything we have agreed to is codified in final contract language. And 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. 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.
Once the Memorandum of Agreement with the AMPTP is complete, the Negotiating Committee will vote on whether to recommend the agreement and send it on to the WGAW Board and WGAE Council for approval. The Board and Council will then vote on whether to authorize a contract ratification vote by the membership.
If that authorization is approved, the Board and Council would also vote on whether to lift the restraining order and end the strike at a certain date and time (to be determined) pending ratification. This would allow writers to return to work during the ratification vote, but would not affect the membership’s right to make a final determination on contract approval.
Immediately after those leadership votes, which are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday if the language is settled, we will provide a comprehensive summary of the deal points and the Memorandum of Agreement. We will also convene meetings where members will have the opportunity to learn more about and assess the deal before voting on ratification.
To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorized to by the Guild. We are still on strike until then. But we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing. Instead, if you are able, we encourage you to join the SAG-AFTRA picket lines this week.
Finally, we appreciated your patience as you waited for news from us — and had to fend off rumors — during the last few days of the negotiation. Please wait for further information from the Guild. We will have more to share with you in the coming days, as we finalize the contract language and go through our unions’ processes.
As always, thank you for your support. You will hear from us again very soon.
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