Members of the striking Writers Guild of America (WGA) expressed their frustrations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers’ (AMPTP) latest attempts to resume negotiations after a meeting on Friday failed to result in an agreement. The WGA informed its members on Friday, which marked the 95th day of the strike, that talks with the AMPTP did not yield any favorable outcomes.
Included in the update to WGA members was a summary of the issues both sides planned to bring back to the table when negotiations formally resumed. According to the WGA memo, the AMPTP wants to use the deal that the Directors Guild of America (DGA) agreed to earlier this summer as a template for shared issues like pay increases. However, they are not willing to address core writer issues such as the minimum size of writers’ rooms or success-based residuals. The DGA’s deal with the AMPTP, ratified by its membership in June, has drawn criticism from writers who feel that it did not result in sufficient gains.
The AMPTP has yet to comment on the meeting. However, WGA member Dan Signer criticized the suggestion that the WGA would accept the same terms as the DGA while on strike, calling it preposterous. Filmmaker Joe Russo echoed this sentiment, stating that the DGA “got played so badly.” The dissatisfaction with the DGA deal has been a point of contention for writers who feel that it did not adequately address their needs.
SAG-AFTRA, the largest union in Hollywood, went on strike shortly after the DGA reached its deal with the AMPTP. The lack of movement by the AMPTP has led to frustration among writers, with one WGA member stating that it seems like the AMPTP negotiators are not used to being told “no,” unlike writers and actors who face rejection on a daily basis.
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The WGA also stated in its update that if it agrees to a deal with the AMPTP, it will allow members to remain on strike until SAG-AFTRA reaches its own agreement. This commitment to solidarity with SAG-AFTRA has rallied writers who support the union’s determination. Many performers have joined the WGA’s picket lines as SAG-AFTRA negotiated with the AMPTP before going on strike.
Writers have vowed not to cross picket lines and are spreading the word to ensure that others do the same. The WGA’s negotiating committee has received praise for its strong stance and commitment to protecting the livelihood of writers. The WGA’s strike has drawn attention and support from SAG-AFTRA, with a recent demonstration causing traffic disruptions around Universal Studios and showing the studios that they may not have the upper hand.
In conclusion, the WGA and the AMPTP have yet to reach an agreement after the latest round of negotiations. The AMPTP’s proposals have been met with frustration and criticism from WGA members who feel that the deal reached with the DGA did not address their core concerns. The WGA remains committed to its strike and supporting SAG-AFTRA in their negotiations with the AMPTP. Writers have shown solidarity and determination, vowing not to cross picket lines, and receiving support from performers and fellow industry professionals. The WGA’s negotiating committee continues to fight for transparency, fairness, and non-exploitation of writers’ work, and the strike shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
