Hollywood Writers Strike is now going to another turn. The strike endured for a duration of 146 days and mobilized picketers across the entire nationโs productions.
Unions representing a substantial number of Hollywood movie and television writers have successfully reached a โtentativeโ agreement with major studios on Sunday, effectively putting an end to a strike that persisted for a duration of 146 days. This strike had caused pickets to be staged at various productions and company offices across the nation.
In an email sent to WGA members on Sunday night, it was stated that the WGA has achieved a tentative agreement with the AMPTP. This accomplishment was made possible due to the unwavering solidarity of WGA members and the exceptional support received from our fellow union members who stood alongside us on the picket lines for the entirety of the 146-day period.
This resolution was reached subsequent to a significant breakthrough in negotiations between the Writers Guild of America and The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the entity responsible for negotiating on behalf of the studios.
The two parties issued a joint statement on Wednesday, confirming their meeting for negotiation and expressing their intention to resume talks on Thursday. This development has generated optimism that a mutually beneficial agreement will be reached.
The Writers Guild stated that negotiations continued on Friday and Saturday, resulting in four consecutive days of bargaining.
Following the conclusion of the strike, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement expressing her gratitude for the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for reaching a fair agreement. She also expressed hope that a similar resolution can be achieved soon with the Screen Actors Guild.
Bass acknowledged the significant impact of this historic strike on Los Angeles and the entire nation. She emphasized the need to now shift focus towards revitalizing the entertainment industry and supporting the small businesses that rely on it, aiming to restore them to a position of strength surpassing previous levels.
Presently amidst its own strike, SAG-AFTRA extends its congratulations to the WGA for successfully reaching a preliminary agreement with the AMPTP after an impressive display of fortitude, resilience, and unity on the picket lines for a staggering 146 days. While we eagerly anticipate reviewing the details of the WGA and AMPTPโs tentative agreement, our commitment to securing the necessary terms for our members remains unwavering, as stated by the organization.
Ever since the commencement of the WGA strike, SAG-AFTRA members have steadfastly stood in solidarity with the writers on the picket lines. We persist in our strike within the TV/Theatrical contract and continue to implore the CEOs of studios and streaming platforms, as well as the AMPTP, to return to the negotiating table and forge a just agreement that our members both deserve and demand, as articulated in the statement.
Following the statement issued by SAG-AFTRA, California Governor Gavin Newsom also released a statement regarding the conclusion of the strike. Governor Newsom acknowledged the significant contribution of world-class writers to Californiaโs entertainment industry and expressed gratitude that the two sides have reached an agreement that benefits all parties involved. He further emphasized the importance of resolving the existential threats to the careers and livelihoods of the 11,000 writers who went on strike for over 100 days, expressing genuine concerns over the stress and anxiety experienced by workers. The Governorโs statement recognizes the significance of the entertainment industry to Californiaโs economy and the positive impact of the resolution of the strike on the industry. It is noteworthy that the writersโ strike of 1988, which lasted 154 days, remains the longest in the history of the Writers Guild. The strike, which commenced on May 2, coincided with a work stoppage by a union representing approximately 160,000 actors, resulting in a complete shutdown of activities in Hollywood.
According to the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the streaming model has significantly reduced the residual payments actors receive when their shows or movies are re-aired, similar to the impact experienced by writers. It is worth noting that SAG-AFTRA members have been engaged in a strike since July 14th.
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