What’s Going on with the WGA Strike? When will it end?
Many clients (artists, brands and studios) are asking what’s happening wtih the The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. It’s a very complex set of issues and I was on the research team that studied the strike back in 2007 (which lasted for 100 days). Our research study and findings can be viewed here in this Research Journal PDF that is being made available, compliments of Carnegie Mellon University. In our prior study of the WGA strike, “Turning Points and Negotiation: The Case of the 2007–2008 Writers’ Strike,” focused on the turning points and conflict framing in the 2007–2008 conflict between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Using media coverage and press releases, we examined turning points across critical events, communicative framing, and the role of a simultaneous corporate campaign in shaping the outcome of this negotiation. Overall, we were able to demonstrate that the Writers Guild of America’s “soft corporate campaign” played an important role in solidifying the labor union and garnering public support for the strike
For the current strike, which began on May 1, 2023, it’s become a grueling test for writers, studios and all other stakeholders. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) has joined in solidarity and even game show contestants are refusing to continue, citing their support for the writers. Prior to May 1, the AMPTP and WGA had been in negotiations, which of course, were not successful. The strike is the first major labor action by the WGA since the 2007-2008 strike.
The world of entertainment and screenwriting has become exponentially more complex with the advent of streaming platforms and other media channels that weren’t even contemplated just a decade ago. Based on the rapid evolution of entertainment and the high stakes involved, the WGA is seeking a number of changes to its contract with the AMPTP, including:
Increased residuals: The WGA wants to increase the amount of money that writers receive when their work is streamed or downloaded.
New rules for new media: The WGA wants new rules that will ensure that writers are fairly compensated for their work in new media, such as streaming services and video games.
Protections for writers against technology: The WGA wants protections for writers against the use of technology that could automate their jobs or reduce their pay.
The AMPTP has offered some concessions to the WGA, but the two sides are still far apart on many issues. The strike has already had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with many television shows and movies being delayed or canceled.
The WGA strike is a complex issue with a number of legal implications. For example, the strike raises questions about the scope of the WGA's bargaining authority and the legality of the AMPTP's use of replacement writers. The outcome of the strike could have a significant impact on the future of the entertainment industry and the rights of writers.