For the first time, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) is preparing to go on strike in over 15 years because the negotiations with major studios over wages yielded no result. Over 9,000 Hollywood TV and movie screenwriters, representing over 98% of voting members, are expected to participate in the upcoming strike.
The strike is as a result of the studios failing to reach an agreement with the writers over compensation for their work that frequently lingers on streaming services for years, as well as the potential effects of artificial intelligence on writing. The WGA urged its members to be prepared to go on strile if a new deal was not negotiated by the deadline. Late-night programming may end as of midnight (US time), and upcoming programming and films may experience delays. Theresultant effect of this strike could be significant, as the last WGA strike in 2007 cost the US $2 billion.
Despite the studios’ statement that they need to reduce expenses due to mounting debt, residuals payouts to writers reached an all-time high of $494 million in 2021. However, the writers claim that they are still being paid poorly, with many struggling to make a living in expensive cities like New York and Los Angeles.
“Although we are producing creative output that meets the needs of the streaming era, we are being paid less than ever,” said Alex O’Keefe, a writer for the comedy-drama series The Bear and a member of the union. “And writers like me, especially young, Black, indigenous, and writers of color, have infused the process with an entirely new wave of creativity.”
“However, we are finding it difficult to live in cities where we need to be in writers’ rooms, such as New York City and Los Angeles.” According to Alex O’Keefe, “I wouldn’t categorize all writers as being poor or broke, but I can state that I have $6 in my bank account.”
The strike is a result of an “existential crisis” that writers are experiencing, as they fight for their creativity and salaries. The WGA is determined to push for the rights of its members, who are the backbone of the entertainment industry, as they plan to partake in this historic strike.