Title: Writers Guild of America Unanimously Votes to End 148-Day Strike, Allowing Writers to Return to Work
Date: September 26, 2023
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has made a significant decision to lift its strike after 148 days, with unanimous support from its leaders. This move will enable writers to resume work starting from Wednesday, September 27th. The union emphasized that the strike’s end does not impact the members’ right to make a final determination on contract approval.
Representing nearly 11,500 screenwriters, the WGA released the entire seven-page agreement, detailing the favorable terms secured during negotiations. The newly ratified three-year deal guarantees a 5% increase in minimums upon contract approval, followed by additional salary raises in subsequent years.
Another notable aspect of the tentative contract is the establishment of regulations for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in projects covered by the Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA). The agreement strictly prohibits companies from utilizing “writers’ material to train AI.” AI-generated material is deemed as non-source material, and the use of AI in generating or modifying literary content is strictly restricted.
Under the agreement, writers will have the option to use AI in their work voluntarily but cannot be compelled to do so by the companies they are employed with. This provision protects the creative autonomy of writers while ensuring that AI does not displace their roles in the writing process.
Furthermore, the agreement introduces a “viewership-based streaming bonus” for series and films that achieve high viewership within the first 90 days of release. If a project is viewed by 20% of subscribers in this period, writers will receive a bonus equivalent to 50% of the fixed domestic and foreign residual.
It is important to note that the contract will only take effect if it gains majority support from the union members. Eligible voters will have the opportunity to cast their vote from Monday through October 9th, with ballot and ratification materials being provided during this period.
The strike, which lasted 148 days, was just shy of surpassing the longest strike in Writers Guild history, set in 1988, which lasted 154 days. The termination of the strike brings relief to the industry, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressing her gratitude and hopeful anticipation for future agreements, particularly with the Screen Actors Guild, which also began seeking a new contract earlier this year.
As writers prepare to return to work, the resumption of creative activities brings a renewed sense of optimism to Hollywood, marking the end of a prolonged period of labor unrest and offering hope for continued fair negotiations throughout the industry.