The Hollywood unions are gearing up for upcoming negotiations with the studios, with bargaining dates already set in stone. SAG-AFTRA is scheduled to begin talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on February 9, with discussions expected to last until March 6. Following closely behind, the Writers Guild of America will commence negotiations on March 16, just 10 days later. The WGA contract is set to expire on May 1, and historically these negotiations have gone down to the wire.
The Directors Guild of America is slated to start their talks on May 11, 10 days after the WGA negotiations begin. Both the DGA and SAG-AFTRA contracts are set to expire on June 30. If a deal is not reached before the WGA talks commence, there will still be an opportunity to resume negotiations in June before the expiration.
These negotiations mark the first since the writers and actors strikes of 2023, with key issues such as artificial intelligence and residuals on streaming platforms expected to be revisited. The industry has faced challenges over the past few years, particularly in Los Angeles, and negotiators will be focusing on ways to increase job opportunities for members while also being cautious not to hinder the industry’s recovery.
Health coverage is also a significant topic of discussion, as the slowdown in production has strained industry health plans. The AMPTP has released a detailed report showing that guild members receive generous health coverage compared to other large employer-based plans. Adjusting benefit structures may be necessary to ensure the sustainability of these health plans.
In addition to health coverage, the unions are expected to address concerns surrounding artificial intelligence. Efforts to protect members’ work from being used to train AI systems will likely be renewed, especially in light of recent developments such as Disney’s deal with OpenAI.
The possibility of a five-year contract, rather than the typical three-year deal, has been floated by the AMPTP, indicating a willingness to pay a premium for an extended period of labor peace. Ultimately, the unions and the AMPTP are gearing up for what are sure to be complex and challenging negotiations, as they work to address a range of issues impacting their members and the industry as a whole.
