This Tuesday (26), the Hollywood screenwriters union, known as the WGA (Writers Guild of America), officially ended the category strike in the United States. The decision came after the approval of the new offer by the Alliance of Industrial Producers last Sunday (24).
The strike is scheduled to end next Wednesday (27th), ending one of the largest strikes in the union’s history. Hollywood screenwriters began the strike on May 2 to demand better working conditions and ensure proper regulation of the use of artificial intelligence in film and television production.
At nearly five months, the strike became the second largest in screenwriters’ history, behind the 1988 strike, which lasted 153 consecutive days. This year’s strike lasted a total of 148 days.
With the unanimous approval of the proposal, the union members are entitled to resume their activities. The union called the agreement “extraordinary” and provided significant benefits and protections for writers.
One of the most important changes envisaged in the agreement is the access of screenwriters to the number of hours watched by users of series produced by streaming platforms belonging to the producers’ association AMPTP. Additionally, the union can share this information publicly and access applies to productions around the world.
Regarding the use of artificial intelligence in screenplays, the agreement stipulates that studios and streaming services are obliged to inform screenwriters about the use of this technology, both in creation and rewriting, and are prohibited from hiring workers to use it to force this tool. The union also has the right to veto the use of technology in the creative field at any time.
While screenwriters end their strike, the actors’ union (SAG, Screen Actors Guild) in the USA has continued to strike since July.