WGA reaches tentative deal; 146-day strike nearing end

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the representatives of the studios and streamers have managed to strike a tentative deal or “an agreement in principle on all deal points”. To what extent the rights of the writers have been protected will be clear only once the details of the agreement are made public. However, for the time being, the long negotiations seem to have borne fruit. It does, however, promise to protect the writers “in every sector of the membership”. The strike that has been on for well almost three months has affected more than 11,000 film and television writers who have been seeking better pay and working conditions in this age of streaming

For the time being, however, there will be no picketing but nobody is returning to work either till the union instructs them to.

This is the first time that the WGA and the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have gone on strike together. The latter joined in to lend their support in July 2023.

It is reported that the final contract language needs to be worked on ensuring that everything that has been approved or agreed to is covered and clearly stated. The agreement will first need to be approved by the negotiating committee of the union, via a vote. Approval has then to be sought from the board of WGA West and East. These approvals will be followed by a vote on whether to end the strike or not.

Members will receive details of the agreement and formal contract before they themselves cast their votes.