What is the Writers Guild of America strike?
DISSATISFIED by their lack of compensation, the Writer's Guild of America decided to go on strike.
The walkout has resulted in several Hollywood productions going on hiatus.
What is the Writers Guild of America strike?
The Writers Guild of America strike is the dispute between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
The strike officially began on May 2, 2023, after the WGA and AMPTP could not reach an agreement on a new three-year film TV contract to replace one that expired on May 1.
The possibility of a strike was already hinted back in March, with the WGA announcing on April 17 that 97.85 percent of its members voted in favor.
More than 11,000 writers are participating in this protest from several studios, including Netflix, Paramount, and HBO.
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Writer Courtney Perdue told Variety: "No one wants this, but it’s necessary.
"This business starts on the page. No pages, no profits."
Despite the strike being hinted back in March, the fear began back in February during a series of meetings discussing the contract with AMPTP.
Issues that have seemingly been discussed the most is pay, with the Los Angeles Times reporting that writers are pushing for higher minimum pay rates across a range of services.
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On September 24, 2023, it was announced the WGA reached an agreement with the AMPTP after protesting for 146 days.
In an email to its members, the WGA stated: "What we have won in this contract – most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2nd – is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days.
"It is the leverage generated by your strike, in concert with the extraordinary support of our union siblings, that finally brought the companies back to the table to make a deal.
"We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership.
"To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorized to by the Guild.
"We are still on strike until then. But we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing."
Which famous faces have expressed support for the Writers Guild of America strike?
Several actors and talk show hosts have since voiced their opinions about the strike.
Television host Stephen Colbert said on a May 1 episode of The Late Show: "Unions are the reason we have weekends, and by extension why we have TGI Fridays."
Comedian and television host Jimmy Fallon told Variety at the Met Gala: "I wouldn’t have a show if it wasn’t for my writers, I support them all the way."
Actress Olivia Wilde also showed her support, telling Reuters: "I support the writers, and I think it’ll affect all of us."
Actress Wanda Sykes also showed her support on Twitter and posted a photo of herself holding a sign at one of the protests on May 2.
Other stars who have shown support for the strike include Rob Lowe, Natasha Lyonne, and Jon Cryer.
How many other Writers Guild of America strikes have occurred?
Although the 2023 strike has affected the entertainment industry greatly, it's not the first time one has happened.
In fact, five other strikes have occurred, the first being in 1960, which lasted nearly five months.
The other strikes occurred in 1981, 1985, 1988, and 2007-2008.
As of now, the longest strike occurred in 1988, lasting for five months starting March 7, 1988.
Deadline reports that one economically impacted strike took place in 2007-2008, resulting in a loss of $2.1 billion in the Los Angeles economy alone.
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Like the 2023 strike, television productions were greatly affected, including the shutdown of several major talk shows.
Television re-runs will air on major platforms until further notice.