Film And TV
19 Sep 23

US writers' union to resume negotiations with studios

Writers picket in front of Netflix on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California, on May 2, 2023 as the Writers Guild of American (WGA) goes on strike. - More than 11,000 Hollywood television and movie writers went on their first strike in 15 years, after talks with studios and streamers over pay and working conditions failed to clinch a deal. The strike means late-night shows are expected to grind to a halt immediately, while television series and movies scheduled for release later this year and beyond could face major delays. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

Ali Toohey

Negotiations will be resumed on Wednesday.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has announced that negotiations will be resumed with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which is handling negotiations for major Hollywood studios. Discussions are due to begin on Wednesday, September 20.

Since May 2, more than 11,000 members of the WGA have been on strike over issues including pay and the threat of artificial intelligence (AI).

The first joint strike against the studios since 1960 took place in July with 160,000 members of the US actors’ union SAG-AFTRA officially declaring strike.

The issue has brought a majority of Hollywood productions, events and award ceremonies to a halt, leaving actors unable to engage in any promotional activity for work.

As negotiations continue WGA members were asked to: "please continue to demonstrate your commitment and unity by coming out to the picket lines – for yourselves and fellow writers, SAG-AFTRA, other unions’ members and all those in our community who are impacted by the strikes."

In August, AMPTP released details of a "comprehensive package" which they believed addressed all the issues the union identified. However, it included "unprecedented terms" in the areas of generative AI, data transparency and minimum staffing. The WGA decided the offer was not "nearly enough" and that they would "continue to advocate for proposals that fully address our issues rather than accept half measures".