The Writers Guild of America West building in Los Angeles on May 2, 2023.
Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images
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Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images
In less than a month of discussions, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have taken initial steps toward reaching an agreement, as announced on Saturday.
“Today, the WGA Negotiating Committee unanimously approved a four-year tentative agreement with the AMPTP for the 2026 Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA),” stated the union on its website. “Importantly, it secures our health plan’s future with increased contributions from companies in various areas and necessary increases to health contribution caps. The new contract builds on the gains from 2023 and addresses issues surrounding unpaid work.”
During 2023, the WGA embarked on a strike that extended throughout the summer, significantly disrupting production schedules for months.
The AMPTP expressed in its announcement that it is eager to “build on this progress as we continue working toward agreements that promote long-term stability in the industry.”
The news of the agreement comes just weeks before the union’s existing contract is set to expire on May 1.
This development occurs amidst an ongoing conflict between the Writers Guild of America West and its staff union. The staff union, which comprises workers in areas like legal and communications, saw dozens of its Los Angeles members launching an independent strike in mid-February. The employees accuse WGA West management of engaging in unfair labor practices, union-busting activities, and bad faith bargaining. In a recent social media post, the staff union reported that striking members had lost their health insurance coverage. NPR has attempted to contact the WGA for comments on this internal strike. In response to the staff union’s actions, the WGA canceled its annual West Coast award show in March.
The new four-year contract between the WGA and Hollywood studios is anticipated to introduce new regulations regarding artificial intelligence, including licensing for AI training. According to a social media post by entertainment industry journalist Matthew Belloni, the contract will also feature pension increases and additional compensation for streaming video on demand. The proposed agreement, extending a year longer than typical contracts between the union and studios, has been met with relief online by numerous writers, performers, and producers.
The AMPTP is currently engaged in negotiations for a new set of agreements with unions representing screen actors and directors.
According to the WGA, the new writers’ contract still needs ratification by union members, which might occur later this month.
