The Writers Guild of America has now formally approved its fresh three-year contract with Hollywood studios. In an announcement made on Monday, the guild revealed an overwhelming ratification, with an impressive 99% of its members voting in favor of the new deal. The final tally showed 8,435 votes supporting the agreement with just 90 opposing it. This resounding approval solidifies the terms of the contract, which are effective from September 25 and will extend through May 1, 2026. The widespread support among the guild’s membership underlines the consensus and commitment to these industry terms and conditions, ensuring a stable foundation for the years ahead.
“Through unity and unwavering resolve, we have successfully endorsed a contract that brings substantial benefits and safeguards for writers across our diverse membership,” declared Meredith Stiehm, who serves as the President of the Writers Guild of America West. The newly ratified agreement secures pay raises for the upcoming three years, introduces vital restrictions related to artificial intelligence, and implements a novel residual structure for streaming platforms based on viewership metrics. Furthermore, the guild has successfully negotiated higher contribution rates to bolster health benefits and pensions, in addition to establishing a guaranteed minimum number of writers in writers’ rooms for television productions. This collective achievement underscores the commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of writers in the industry across various sectors.
Following the resolution of the strike, the initial productions to resume were the late-night stalwarts, including Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and Stephen Colbert, followed by John Oliver of “Last Week Tonight.” Presently, it’s the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) that has stepped into the negotiations spotlight. The actors’ guild has initiated talks with major industry players such as Disney, Paramount, Netflix, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery as they seek to define the terms and conditions of their industry engagement in the post-strike landscape.
“Until the studios agree to a deal that adequately addresses the needs of performers, WGA members will stand in unity on the picket lines, joining hands with SAG-AFTRA,” affirmed Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, who currently presides as the President of the Writers Guild of America East.
In parallel, SAG-AFTRA is actively pursuing improvements in several critical areas, including enhancing compensation, working conditions, and health and pension benefits. Their efforts extend to establishing guidelines for the ethical utilization of artificial intelligence in forthcoming television and film projects. Furthermore, the union is committed to enhancing transparency regarding viewership data from streaming platforms to ensure equitable residual payments, comparable to those in traditional linear TV. Additionally, the guild aims to streamline and standardize the self-tape process to enhance efficiency and equity in the industry.
