WGA West Announces Unanimous Vote to Call Strike, Impacting Hollywood Writers and Productions

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has announced that its board of directors have voted unanimously to call a strike, effective 12:01 AM Tuesday, May 2. The strike is the result of high-stakes negotiations between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) that failed to avert the first major walkout in over 15 years.

The WGA West said in a statement that their Negotiating Committee began the process with the intent of making a fair deal, but the studios’ responses have been “wholly insufficient given the existential crisis writers are facing.” Over 11,000 television and film writers are now set to go on strike, with 98% of the WGA membership voting in favor of authorizing a strike last month.

The strike could have a cascading effect on TV and film productions depending on how long it persists. The WGA said that the strike will begin at midnight PT, when the current contract runs out.

The WGA is seeking better pay for its members, as well as better health care coverage, increased residuals for streaming services, and greater protections against harassment. The AMPTP has said that it has made “substantial movement” in negotiations, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement.

The strike is the first major walkout by Hollywood writers in over 15 years, and could have a significant impact on the entertainment industry. It is unclear how long the strike will last, but the WGA has said that it will continue until an agreement is reached that meets their demands.