The WGA Strike is Over - Here's What Happens Now

As of 12:01am, the Writers Guild’s strike has ended. At 148 days, it was almost the longest in the guild’s history (the 1988 strike lasted 153 days). But it worked, and a deal has been agreed.

The deal contains protection against AI, more data transparency, and better pay. “Today, your Negotiating Committee, the WGAW Board and WGAE Council all voted unanimously to recommend the agreement,” the guild said in a statement.

It can largely be seen as a success. For example, the WGA got the same pay raises that the Directors Guild got, which is 13% compounded over three years (although the Director’s Guild got that without having to strike).

Also, TV writers rooms will have a new requirement for the minimum number of writers, meaning at least three writer-producers are guaranteed ten consecutive weeks of employment.

In terms of AI, the agreement terms state: “AI can’t write or rewrite literary material, and AI-generated material will not be considered source material”

The actors’ guild, SAG-AFTRA, will no doubt be taking lessons learned from these developments into their negotiations with the AMPTP, which are predicted to start next week.

It’s worth mentioning the agreement has not been finalized - members still have to actually vote for it. If they don’t (which is unlikely, granted), the strike would start back up again. According to the guild, writers can return to work while the ratification process plays out.

Meanwhile, here's everything you need to know about the video game strike.