Strike threat in Hollywood: the writers’ union approves the strike if there is no agreement with the studios

Hollywood film and television writers have voted overwhelmingly to authorize the strike. For days he had been flying over that possibility of a break in Hollywood, which would affect the industry around the world.

So the WGA, the Writers Association of America, has held a vote, which has been approved by almost 98% of the voting members., which authorizes a strike to be called if a fair agreement is not reached for a new film and television contract before May 1when the current pact expires.

The agreement between the WGA and the AMPTP, the Alliance of Film and Television Producers, is agreed upon every three years with the intention of adjusting with each novelty that is incorporated. In each new agreement, new points have emerged to take into account according to the innovation of the moment, as has now happened with streaming platforms, whose rise is what has led them to denounce unfeasible conditions. For this reason, they are seeking salary increases and shorter hours, among other requests.

In a statement on Twitter, the WGA made it clear that 97.85% of its members are in favor of stopping work if no agreement is reached.

“Our members have spoken,” the WGA Bargaining Committee told union members. “You have expressed your collective strength, solidarity and the demand for meaningful change in overwhelming numbers. Armed with this show of unity and determination, we will continue to work at the bargaining table to achieve a fair contract for all writers.”

Negotiation for a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which began on March 20, is therefore expected to accelerate as the deadline for a deal approaches.

When the vote began last week, the union said: “A vote to authorize a strike, particularly by a wide margin, gives the Bargaining Committee leverage to make the best possible deal and gives leaders the power to declare a strike.” strike after contract expiration if necessary.” At the time, the union said: “After several weeks at the negotiating table, (the studios) have been unable to offer meaningful answers on the core economic issues in any of the areas WGA’s core jobs: screen, episodic television, and variety comedy. They have listened graciously to our submissions and have made small moves in only a few areas, almost entirely along with setbacks designed to offset any gains. In short, the studies have given no indication that they intend to address the problems that our members are determined to solve in this negotiation“.

If a break occurs, it would be the first in 16 years. The last WGA strike was held in 2007 and 2008 and lasted for 100 days, with a total loss of 2,100 million dollars.

For its part, the AMPTP has said that its goal is “to reach a fair and reasonable agreement. An agreement is only possible if the Guild agrees to focus its attention on serious negotiation by engaging in full discussions of the issues with the Companies.” and seek reasonable compromises.