The Writers Guild is not backing down from their strike, despite congratulating the Directors Guild on their tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. In a message to members titled “Onward,” the WGA Negotiating Committee stated that their bargaining positions “remain the same” as they were at the start of the strike. They also made it clear that they will continue to picket and stand in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA, who are currently conducting a strike authorization vote among their members.
While the DGA’s deal with the AMPTP includes “groundbreaking gains in wages and benefits,” the WGA will not comment on their specific deal points until they know the contract language. However, they did acknowledge the DGA’s achievement and congratulated their Negotiating Committee for getting a deal they are recommending to their National Board for approval.
The WGA’s message also addressed the tragic accidental shooting on the set of Rust, which led to the banning of live ammunition on sets. They emphasized that generative artificial intelligence cannot replace the duties performed by members.
During the last writers’ strike in 2008, the DGA made a deal with the AMPTP on the 73rd day of the work stoppage. This time around, the DGA made its deal on the 33rd day of the WGA strike, but the WGA remains steadfast in their resolve. They believe that the companies’ “divide and conquer” strategy won’t work this time and that the AMPTP will not be able to negotiate a deal for writers with anyone but them.
