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The WGA and major studios and streamers have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract that promises to end the 146-day strike that has taken a heavy toll across the content industry.
The nitty-gritty details of language around the use of generative AI in content production was one of the last items that the sides worked on before closing the pact.
“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the WGA’s negotiating committee wrote in an email to sent to members at 7:10 p.m. PT
The strike itself will still be in force through the guild’s contract approval and ratification process. But picketing has been suspended as of Sunday night. Guild leaders are expected to vote on Tuesday on whether to formally lift the strike order against AMPTP signatories.
Details of the contract agreement won’t be released until the final language is completed over the coming days. WGA leadership expects to vote on Tuesday on the final pact.
I’m glad the WGA got an agreement they’re happy with. This beats the deadline mentioned a few months ago about having to scrap the 2023-24 season (October 1).
I’m also glad there seem to be protections about AI in the writers’ rooms, since that was what I assumed the studios were fighting to hard to have their way on.
Over all, I’m hoping this momentum will carry forward into SAG getting a favorable agreement as well.