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<\/p>\nFollowing five months of deliberation, the Writers Guild of America have struck a tentative deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers as the Guild warns: ‘No one is to return to work until specifically authorized.’<\/p>\n
The writers’ strike for fairer wages drew Hollywood to a standstill, and those who dared carry on with production – among the likes of Drew Barrymore and Bill Maher – faced immense blowback that prompted them to cancel their shows once again.<\/p>\n
But the WGA appeared to have reached a tentative labor agreement with major studios including Paramount, Sony and Universal on September 24.<\/p>\n
The deal is expected to end one of two strikes that have halted most film and television production and cost the California economy billions.<\/p>\n
The WGA released a statement praising union members for remaining steadfast and demonstrating solidarity.<\/p>\n
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The strike began in early May, as writers expressed concern over wages, staffing and other issues<\/p>\n
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The WGA represents over 11,000 writers and is split into West and East chapters<\/p>\n
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In their statement, the Guild praised union members and wrote: ‘We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional’<\/p>\n
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While picketing has been suspended, writers were advised not to return to work until explicitly told to do so<\/p>\n
It read, in part: ‘We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional\u2014with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership.’<\/p>\n
Before the three-year contract can take effect, it must be approved by members of the WGA, which is 11,500 people strong.<\/p>\n
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In the statement, writers were warned not return to work ‘until specifically authorized to by the Guild.’<\/p>\n
‘We are still on strike until then. But we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing,’ it read.<\/p>\n
The strike began May 2 after negotiations ended in deadlock.<\/p>\n
Writers voiced concern over unfair compensation, minimum staffing of writers’ rooms, use of artificial intelligence and residuals rewarding writers for popular streaming shows.<\/p>\n
While the deal marks the end of a several-months battle, the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union remains on strike.<\/p>\n
As WGA picketing has officially ended, the Guild encourages writers to protest alongside the actors instead.<\/p>\n