After 146 days of fierce struggle and bitter and tense negotiations, the historic strike of American screenwriters could well end soon. Indeed, an agreement in principle has finally been reached with the AMPTP, the union which represents the largest Hollywood studios and streaming platforms.
The efforts finally paid off. After 146 days of fierce struggle and negotiations at daggers drawn, the historic strike of American screenwriters could well come to an end. Remember, 5 months ago, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), the union that represents American authors, decided to go on strike.
The institution is demanding profound changes from the AMPTP, the union which represents the main film studios and streaming platforms:
- better remuneration for screenwriters (some do not even manage to exceed $26,000 per year, the threshold to be able to afford health insurance)
- obtaining residual income indexed to the audiences of streaming services (being paid each time content on which a screenwriter has worked is rebroadcast)
- the establishment of minimum staffing levels in writing rooms
- the establishment of official safeguards against artificial intelligence
In the process, SAG-AFTRA (the actors’ union) joined the movement. For almost 5 months, the Hollywood machine found itself at a complete standstill. Production on several series has been interrupted, such as season 2 of The Last of Us or season 5 of Stranger Things. After multiple low blows and daggers-drawn negotiations between representatives of the writers/actors and the studios, the hatchet could soon be buried.
Also read: The screenwriters’ strike extends to the video game industry, should we expect postponements?
The screenwriters’ strike is almost over
As our colleagues from the Variety site report, an agreement in principle has been reached between the WGA and the main studios after 5 consecutive days of discussions. “We can say, with great pride, that this agreement is exceptional – with significant gains and protections for writers across all member industries,” welcomes the union.
For the moment, the strike is maintained and will remain so until the approval and ratification process of this new contract. It will also be valid for 3 years. Despite everything and in order to calm things down, WGA calls for end to picketing. In fact, we are still waiting for the details of this agreement, which will be voted on this Tuesday, September 24. But given the enthusiasm of the WGA leaders, we suspect that the union has probably won its case on many points. We will know more tomorrow.
Source: Variety