The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Hollywood studios have reached a tentative agreement that could end a long-running strike that has affected the film and television industry. This news comes after months of protests and negotiations.
The tentative agreement, which covers all key points, is subject to final contractual drafting, according to a statement sent to WGA members. Although no specific details are provided about the terms of the agreement, it is emphasized that it offers “significant gains and protections for screenwriters in all sectors.”
Despite the agreement, the union has stressed that members will not return to work until specifically authorized by the union. Therefore, the strike will remain suspended while the details of the agreement are finalized.
The writers’ strike, which began in May, has disrupted movie and TV production in Hollywood, focusing on demands over pay, awards for hits, and protections against the use of artificial intelligence in screenwriting.
The strike became even more complex when actors joined the protest in July, virtually paralyzing production in the entertainment industry.
Despite the agreement with the WGA, the actors’ strike, represented by the SAG-AFTRA union, will continue. No talks have been reported between the studios and SAG-AFTRA, which has 160,000 members and is also seeking improvements to its contracts.
The prolonged labor dispute has had a high economic cost for Hollywood, estimated at around $5 billion, according to a report by the Milken Institute. The writers’ strike, which has lasted 146 days so far, is considerably longer than the 100-day strike that took place in 2007 and 2008, which cost California $2.1 billion.