The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has responded to the studios’ Aug. 11 proposals package, stating that it does not adequately protect writers and accusing the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) of attempting to undermine the bargaining process.
In a late-night message to its members, the WGA revealed that it had accepted an invitation to meet with several studio executives, including Bob Iger, Donna Langley, Ted Sarandos, David Zaslav, and Carol Lombardini. The guild had hoped that the meeting signaled the studios’ commitment to ending the strike and reaching a deal. However, instead of genuine negotiations, the guild was met with a lecture about the industry’s counteroffer.
The AMPTP released its proposal package the same night it met with the union leadership. AMPTP president Carol Lombardini stated that the package addressed the writers’ concerns and expressed the hope that the WGA would work toward resolving the strike. However, the WGA has countered that the proposal fails to protect writers adequately from the threats that led to the strike. The guild highlighted the limitations, loopholes, and omissions in the counteroffer, emphasizing that a strike comes with a price, and that all the problems created by the industry must be addressed, not just a select few.
The guild has been forthcoming about the studios’ strategy, accusing them of attempting to pressure writers into surrendering rather than engaging in genuine negotiations. The release of the summary of the studios’ proposals mere minutes after the meeting further solidified the guild’s assertions. The WGA stated that it will provide a more detailed account of the negotiations’ status at a later date.
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While the AMPTP’s proposals did not fully align with the WGA’s demands on core issues like minimum writers’ room staffing and duration, as well as A.I. and data transparency, they did introduce alternative ideas aimed at serving as a compromise between labor and management.
After a 100-day-long strike, the WGA and the AMPTP finally returned to the bargaining table on August 11. The studios presented their latest offer on August 18, leaving the next move up to the WGA.
Meanwhile, SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing Hollywood performers, continues its strike. While SAG-AFTRA and the WGA have different priorities, there are areas of overlap, such as A.I. and compensation for projects’ success on streaming platforms, where both unions seek improvements.
In conclusion, the WGA has criticized the studios’ proposals, asserting that they do not adequately safeguard the interests of writers. The guild has accused the AMPTP of attempting to undermine the bargaining process and has expressed disappointment in the lack of genuine negotiations. The strike continues, while the WGA and the studios continue to exchange proposals and engage in talks, with the next move now resting with the WGA. SAG-AFTRA also remains on strike, sharing some common concerns with the WGA in terms of A.I. and compensation for streaming projects.
