The Writers Guild of America’s strike against Hollywood companies is causing a potentially long and destructive standoff. As negotiations failed, screenwriters have gone on strike, demanding better pay and protections. The strike is likely to have a significant impact on the industry and could last for months.
Hollywood Screenwriters’ Strike: A Potentially Long and Destructive Standoff
As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) continues its strike against Hollywood companies, the two sides remain far apart in their negotiations. The strike began on Tuesday after contract negotiations failed between the WGA, which represents 11,500 screenwriters, and studios, streaming services, and networks.
Companies have since fought back against the union in the media, and the strike is now expected to be protracted, potentially lasting more than three months.
The WGA has vowed to stay on strike until something changes. Meanwhile, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has said that it is prepared to weather a strike of at least 100 days.
5 AM FOX LOT with @Mightypete and @peterchiarelli in the pouring rain, 2 awesome @Teamsters_399 trucks turned around because they would not cross our 3 person picket line! Thank you Teamsters!! pic.twitter.com/LykgYifnAO
— Mike Royce (@MikeRoyce) May 4, 2023
One of the main demands of the writers is that studios should not let artificial intelligence encroach on writers’ credit or compensation. In addition to raises, writers want media companies, particularly Netflix, to make structural changes to the way they do business, such as proposals for mandatory staffing and employment guarantees.
Writers, especially over 35: what are we doing about the heel pain? I literally almost screamed when I got out of bed this morning.
— Leila Cohan (@leilacohan) May 6, 2023
The union argues that these proposals are necessary because entertainment companies are increasingly relying on mini rooms, a hiring practice that pays writers less than they would get in a traditional writers’ room. Companies have countered that mandatory staffing and duration of employment is a hiring quota that is incompatible with the creative nature of the industry.
