Writers Guild of America Meeting with Showrunners Postponed as Contract Negotiations with Studios Resume
A highly anticipated meeting between the leaders of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and a group of concerned showrunners has been postponed, as the guild prepares to resume contract bargaining talks with major Hollywood studios next week. The meeting, which was scheduled for Friday, included showrunners such as Kenya Barris, Noah Hawley, and Sam Esmail, who were seeking insight from WGA leadership to restart talks and bring an end to the 137-day strike.
The decision to postpone the meeting came as the WGA connected with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on resuming bargaining negotiations. It was agreed upon by both sides that the WGA should focus on preparing for the upcoming negotiations. The timing of the Rosh Hashanah holiday also complicated the effort to hold the meeting on Friday at the WGA West headquarters.
The showrunners group has been actively trying to secure a meeting with David Goodman and Chris Keyser, the co-chairs of the WGA negotiating committee, since Labor Day. The meeting was originally set for September 8, then rescheduled to September 11 before being canceled and rescheduled again for September 15.
Despite the postponement, rumors about the meeting have been circulating widely, potentially adding pressure on WGA leaders to return to the bargaining table. On Wednesday, the WGA reached out to the AMPTP to restart talks, with the studio alliance confirming the communication. However, neither side commented on who initiated the contact.
Although there is rising restlessness within the guild, there are currently no signs of open revolt or an effort to sideline leadership. All parties involved are being cautious to avoid any hint of disagreement, as the WGA has emphasized its rock-solid solidarity.
WGA leaders have also downplayed the significance of the showrunner meeting, stating that they have frequent conversations with members. Showrunners themselves have expressed their willingness to be helpful and stressed that they are not attempting to divide the guild.
The WGA has rejected the latest offer from the AMPTP, labeling it as “not nearly enough” and pointing out deficiencies and loopholes in multiple areas. The guild countered with slight moves from its previous position on August 15.
Both the union and the studios have been waiting for the other side to make a move over the past three weeks. The WGA informed members that a new offer from the studios was imminent, while the studios claimed it was the WGA’s turn to respond.
Amidst the ongoing strike, several talk shows have announced their return for the fall season. However, some hosts, such as Drew Barrymore and Bill Maher, received criticism for declaring that they would continue without their WGA writers. The situation mirrors the 2007-08 writers strike when hosts such as Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, and Ellen DeGeneres returned to air without pre-written material.
As the contract bargaining talks resume next week, the focus will be on reaching an agreement that resolves the strike and brings relief to the members of the WGA.