The Writers Guild of America, the union representing screenwriters, has reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios to put an end to a historic strike that has lasted nearly five months. This development has raised hopes that the prolonged shutdown of movie and television production may finally be coming to a close. While actors are still on strike, the agreement with the writers’ union could potentially pave the way for a resolution in their negotiations as well.
The announcement of this significant breakthrough was made jointly by the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the organization representing studios, streaming services, and production companies in negotiations. However, it’s important to note that the agreement is subject to approval by the guild’s board and its members before the strike officially comes to an end. This final approval process is expected to take place within the coming week.
The Writers Guild of America expressed its gratitude for the achievement, acknowledging that it was made possible through the unwavering solidarity of its members and the remarkable support received from other unions that joined them on the picket lines for over 146 days. In a more detailed message shared with members on social media, the writers were informed that the strike was not yet over, and no one should return to work until receiving further instructions. However, picketing activities were to be immediately suspended.
The agreement, which covers a three-year contract, was the result of five intense days of renewed negotiations between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. At various points, studio executives also participated in these discussions. While specific terms of the agreement were not immediately disclosed, it’s worth noting that the contract to end the previous writers’ strike in 2008 received approval from more than 90% of union members.
News of the tentative agreement provided a modest boost to media and entertainment companies. Shares in Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Disney, and Netflix all saw modest increases of around 2% or less on the day following the announcement.
This agreement came just five days before the strike would have set a new record as the longest in the history of the Writers Guild. It would also have become the longest strike in Hollywood in over 70 years if it had continued.
While the prospect of nightly network shows, such as NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” returning to the air within days is promising, Hollywood remains far from business as usual. Negotiations have yet to resume between the studios and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). In a statement, the actors’ union emphasized their commitment to achieving the necessary terms for their members, signaling that the strike’s end is still contingent on their own negotiations.
