The Writers Guild of America, a union representing many television, film and radio writers, announced Sunday evening that they had reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, a trade organization that represents several major film and television studios, following an over four-month-long strike.
According to a statement emailed to members of the union, the agreement makes significant progress towards the goals outlined at the outset of the strike.
“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 statement said.
“What remains now is for our staff to make sure everything we have agreed to is codified in final contract language,” the statement said. “And though we are eager to share the details of what has been achieved with you, we cannot do that until the last ‘i’ is dotted.”
In July, striking writers were joined by members of the Screen Actors Guild, a union representing television and film actors across the country. This tandem strike was the first in decades, resulting in frozen production across much of Hollywood.
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The strike ultimately cost the film and television industry over $5 billion over the course of 146 days.
WGA said in its statement that striking writers are not to return to work until the contract is finalized and they have been explicitly instructed to do so by union leadership.
According to the release, WGA must undergo several steps before finalizing the proposed contract.
“So, as you have been patient with us before, we ask you to be patient again — one last time,” the statement said.
