The agreement, which the writers’ union has described as ‘exceptional’, addresses the key issues of the negotiations but is still awaiting final drafting. The strike of actresses and actors continues.
The Hollywood Screenwriters Union (WGA) and the Alliance of Film and Television Producers (AMPTP) reached an agreement in principle this Sunday (early morning in the Basque Country) on the creation of a new collective agreement that opens the door to the possibility of a to put an end to the work.
The WGA issued a statement to the networks indicating that the potential pact addresses all key issues of the negotiations, but waiting for the final design. The writers’ union has merely stated that what has been achieved has been achieved “extraordinary” and has thanked its members for the echo of their strike and the support of other unions that managed to get the studios back to the negotiating table.
The resolution offers a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel for Hollywood, which has halted most productions due to shutdowns, but the studios still have to negotiate with the guild of actresses and actors (SAG-AFTRA).
According to digital IndieWire, the pickets have been suspended, even though no screenwriter will be allowed to return to work until the contract has been ratified. However, the WGA this week encouraged the industry to join the ranks of actors and actresses.
146 days strike
The WGA asks for patience: “It is now up to our employees to ensure that everything that has been agreed is in the final contract language. While we would like to share the details, we cannot do so until all the i’s have been dotted and i’s crossed,” the negotiating committee said, the magazine reported The Hollywood Reporter.
The final agreement must be validated first by the said committee and later by the trade union boards in the east and west of the country. That to vote in principle this could happen Tuesdayand if positive, a decision would be made on when to end the strike.
The WGA started the strike on May 2 with demands for better working conditions, regulation of artificial intelligence and fair payments every time one of its works is republished, the so-called residual rights. On July 14, the actors and actresses joined forces for similar reasons. The latter union has not had any contact with the AMPTP since last July 12, when negotiations on the collective agreement ended abruptly and without consensus.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
