Game-Changing Developments: WGA Strike Gains Momentum as Studio Talks Set to Resume
Intensifying WGA strike gains momentum as studio negotiations resume, leaving industry on edge When will the standoff reach a resolution?
Summary
The WGA will resume negotiations with studios this week after a month-long hiatus, as they continue their fifth month on strike for fair compensation.
Both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA have encountered difficulties during negotiations with studios, who have been accused of attempting to extend the strike.
The ongoing strikes within the film and television sector have prompted shows to devise strategies to bypass strike policies and carry on without the involvement of WGA writers.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is set to resume studio negotiations this week after a month-long break. Having been on strike since May 2, 2023, the WGA is now entering its fifth month of protesting for fair compensation. In July, the WGA was joined by the actors union SAG-AFTRA, who are also still on strike at present.
According to Variety, the WGA will begin negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Programs (AMPTP) this week. In an email statement, the WGA confirmed that their union will be meeting with studios on Wednesday, September 20. They also mentioned that they will reduce communication during negotiations in the upcoming days, as stated below:
What Has Been Happening With The WGA Strikes Lately
The WGA and AMPTP have finalized a schedule to negotiate this week, commencing on Wednesday. Please anticipate limited communication from us during the negotiation process, as our primary objective is to secure a just agreement for writers expediently. We will notify you once there are noteworthy updates to share.
Wednesday will be the first formal meeting between the AMPTP and WGA negotiators since August 18. On August 22, representatives from the WGA union met with four major studios in an attempt to resolve the conflict. The guild found both negotiations unsatisfactory, as they believed the studios were pressuring them to end the strike.
SAG-AFTRA has expressed similar complaints when dealing with studios. Earlier this month, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, issued a statement accusing studios of intentionally prolonging the strike. The WGA is facing similar challenges as negotiations are spaced out, with the AMPTP refusing to make any concessions or even agree to a meeting.
As a result of the ongoing strikes, the film and television industry is suffering. The WGA strikes, in particular, have led to many shows, including the popular Drew Barrymore Show, trying to bypass strike regulations and continue without WGA writers. With negotiations set to resume this week, hopefully the WGA strike will be resolved soon and prevent any further issues with replacement workers.
Source: Variety
