The WGA Strike is Over – ‘Cobra Kai’ and Others Back on Track
After 148 days, the AMPTP has finally made a fair deal with the WGA. Next up: SAG-AFTRA.
Today marks the first day members of the Writers Guild of America can go to work in nearly five months. After stalling for weeks, hoping they could starve people out, the AMPTP decided to come back to the table, and a deal has been struck that will allow writers to return to creating shows and movies.
Congrats to those who have been on the picket lines and working towards this deal. Fans are glad to have you back–and that you’re getting fair pay and job security.
The union released a brief statement. You can read more about the contract on the WGA’s website.
The WGA reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on a new three-year Minimum Basic Agreement. On September 26th, the Negotiating Committee, the WGAW Board and WGAE Council all voted unanimously to recommend the agreement. It will now go to both guilds’ memberships for a ratification vote. Eligible voters will be able to vote from October 2nd through October 9th, and will receive ballot and ratification materials when the vote opens.
The WGAW Board and WGAE Council also voted to lift the restraining order and end the strike as of 12:01 am PT/3:01 am ET on Wednesday, September 27th. This allows writers to return to work during the ratification process, but does not affect the membership’s right to make a final determination on contract approval.
Back to Work
We’ll see which shows and movies announce that they’re back up and running over the next few days. I’m sure everyone is excited to get back to creating stories. John Hurwitz and the Cobra Kai staff were some of the first to shut down production. Fans will be happy to know that he’s ready to get back to work on the final season of the show…
What’s Next – Two SAG-AFTRA Strikes
The actor’s union voted to strike starting on July 14th, and they are still on strike. They have to meet separately with the AMPTP and negotiate a contract for their members – dates have not been set. This means no filming and no promotion until this is resolved. Hopefully, the members will get a good deal quickly.
In addition, the members authorized a strike against the video game studios. Companies involved include Activision, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Epic Games, Take 2, VoiceWorks Productions, and WB Games. This affects voice actors, and it’s focused on fair pay and the use of AI. Negotiations are ongoing.
