WGA and AMPTP Resume Talks Wednesday After Failed Contract Negotiations and Writers’ Strike

Hollywood studios and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) are set to resume talks Wednesday, more than four months after writers went on strike due to failed contract negotiations. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) is not expected to have a presence at the talks, which are expected to last several days.

Bill Maher, host of the HBO talk show “Real Time,” had previously announced that the show would be returning to TV without the presence of writers. However, Maher reversed his decision last week, citing his support for the writers’ strike.

In a message to its members, the WGA said, “In the meantime, please continue to demonstrate your commitment and unity by coming out to the picket lines — for yourselves and fellow writers, SAG-AFTRA, other unions’ members, and all those in our community who are impacted by the strikes. You might not hear from us in the coming days while we are negotiating, but know that our focus is getting a fair deal for writers as soon as possible.”

The WGA and AMPTP have been in negotiations since April, when the WGA declared a strike after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a new contract. The WGA is seeking better pay and working conditions for writers, as well as more equitable pay for members of the Screen Actors Guild.

The talks are expected to be lengthy, and it is unclear when a deal will be reached. In the meantime, the WGA is encouraging its members to continue to demonstrate their commitment to the strike by attending picket lines.