Members of the screenwriters union overwhelmingly ratified a four-year agreement with Hollywood studios and streamers on Friday, bringing an end to a surprisingly smooth and quick process that brought a prolonged strike the last time around.
Union leaders said 90% voted to approve the deal struck between the Writers Guild of America West, Writers Guild of America East and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Studios will now shift to negotiations with actors and directors.
Leaders of the unions emphasized gains in health coverage.
“In the face of industry contraction and runaway health care cost inflation, writers were able to secure a contract that returns our Health Fund to a sustainable path and builds on gains from the 2023 strike,” WGA West President Michele Mulroney said in a statement.
Guild leaders said the deal also includes minimum pay hikes, especially for comedy and variety writers, with more money in residuals for the re-airing of their work.
The AMPTP congratulated the union on the ratification.
“This deal reflects a collaborative approach that supports both writers and the industry’s long-term stability,” it said in its own statement.
Source : https://apnews.com/article/writers-guild-contract-approved-wga-sag-d46bf8ff282fe68f214bcc9e8bdd4631