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LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a surprising turn of events, a four-year tentative agreement has been reached between the screenwriters’ union and Hollywood studios after approximately three weeks of intense negotiations.
The Writers Guild of America West announced on X that its negotiating committee had unanimously approved the tentative agreement with The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the organization representing the studios. The alliance also confirmed the breakthrough in a separate statement released on its website Saturday.
“We look forward to building on this progress as we continue working toward agreements that support long-term industry stability,” the alliance stated, expressing optimism about the future.
While the specific terms of the agreement have yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated to address several key issues for writers, including enhanced healthcare plans and increased protections against the use of artificial intelligence. The union highlighted on X that the deal safeguards their health plan, builds on achievements from 2023, and addresses challenges related to unpaid work.
This new contract, extending a year beyond the typical three-year duration, requires approval from the guild’s board and its members before it can be officially ratified.
The surprise agreement came within weeks of negotiation — a stark contrast to the contentious contract negotiation three years ago when Hollywood writers went on a historic strike that partially brought the industry to a standstill.
The screenwriters voted almost unanimously to approve that agreement, which provided them with more compensation, length of employment and control of artificial intelligence. The current contract was set to expire in May.
The writers’ tentative deal with studios came as the Writers Guild of America West faces an ongoing strike by its own staff union that started in February. More than 100 people working in legal, events and residuals departments went on strike over allegations of unfair labor practice, according to the Los Angeles Times.
It is not clear how, or whether, the weekslong strike would have an impact on the tentative deal with the studios. The union announced last month it canceled its annual award ceremony because of the staff union strike.