The WGA (Writers Guild of America) strike is officially over now that the larger team of writers has ratified the proposed three-year contract.
The WGA and AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) reached a tentative agreement on September 24, allowing the writers to return to work in the interim. Union members ratified the contract during a voting period that ended on Monday.
After a week of voting, “99% of WGA members” voted “yes” to the three-year Minimum Basic Agreement, per Deadline. Prior to this, guild members had been on the picket line since May 2.
The contract addressed writer concerns, including using AI technology, residual payments for streaming projects, minimum salary requirements, and setting minimums for writers’ rooms. The newly ratified contract will span from September 25, 2023, to May 31, 2026.
“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional — with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the guild negotiating committee said in a statement after tentatively accepting the proposed terms.
Industry execs hope the agreement helps spur SAG-AFTRA to reach a similar settlement as the actors strike continues. The outlet noted that SAG-AFTRA started its second week of renewed talks with the AMPTP in hopes of ending its work stoppage, which has been going strong since mid-July.
“The AMPTP member companies congratulate the WGA on the ratification of its new contract, which represents meaningful gains and protections for writers,” reps for the AMPTP said in a statement. “It is important progress for our industry that writers are back to work.”
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SAG-AFTRA reps also expressed positive feelings about the news and how it could help resolve their strike. “SAG-AFTRA congratulates the WGA on the overwhelming ratification of their new contract,” they said. “We salute the WGA negotiators, leadership and members for their fortitude and dedication. Onward!”