Hollywood Writers Union Ratifies Deal with Studios Transcript

Members of the Writers Guild of America on Monday approved a new three-year contract with major studios. The deal formally ends a strike that was one of the longest in the history of Hollywood, and severely disrupted film and TV production. The WGA said 99% of the roughly 8,500 votes supported the deal, which provides pay raises, some protections around use of artificial intelligence, and other gains. WGA West President, Meredith Stiehm said, “Together we were able to accomplish what many said was impossible only six months ago.” The trade association representing major studios, such as Netflix and Disney, said the fact that writers could finally return to work marked, “Important progress for the industry.” Writers walked off the job in May, forcing many film and TV sets to shut down, and delaying shows meant for the fall broadcast season. The writers returned to work in late September, after reaching a tentative agreement with the studios.

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Monday’s official approval of that deal does not, however, end labor tensions in Hollywood. Members of the SAG-AFTRA actors union walked off the job in July. And we’re meeting studio negotiators again on Monday to try to reach an agreement. The actors are also seeking increases in pay and AI protections, plus other improvements to working conditions. The dual strikes have cost the California economy close to $6 billion in lost output, according to a Milken Institute estimate. And, together, represent one of the most visible examples of renewed labor challenges across the United States this year from companies like Kaiser Permanente and the Big Three Detroit automakers.