LOS ANGELES — Hollywood writers have voted decisively to accept a new four-year contract with major studios and streaming companies, union officials announced Friday. The approval process moved remarkably smoothly compared to the lengthy work stoppage that disrupted the entertainment industry just last year.
The Writers Guild of America reported that nine out of ten members voted in favor of the agreement negotiated between the WGA West, WGA East, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. With writers now settled, studios will turn their attention to ongoing talks with actors and directors.
Union officials highlighted significant improvements to healthcare benefits as a major victory in the negotiations.
“In the face of industry contraction and runaway health care cost inflation, writers were able to secure a contract that returns our Health Fund to a sustainable path and builds on gains from the 2023 strike,” WGA West President Michele Mulroney said in a statement.
The new contract also delivers increased minimum compensation rates, particularly benefiting comedy and variety show writers, along with enhanced residual payments when their work is rebroadcast.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers issued congratulations to the union following the vote.
“This deal reflects a collaborative approach that supports both writers and the industry’s long-term stability,” the organization stated.
Negotiators reached their preliminary agreement on April 4, roughly three weeks after discussions commenced. This timeline stands in sharp contrast to the bitter contract dispute that, combined with an actors’ walkout, paralyzed Hollywood throughout much of 2023.
The Writers Guild has faced its own internal labor challenges recently, as a strike by guild staff members forced the cancellation of their March awards ceremony.
Meanwhile, actors represented by SAG-AFTRA continue working toward their own new agreement. Those negotiations have been underway for approximately one month, with talks scheduled to restart Monday following a recess.
In a February conversation with The Associated Press, SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin noted encouraging signals that studios are ready “to work as partners again.”
The Directors Guild will begin their contract discussions on May 11.
