The Writers Guild of America’s WGA negotiating committee and studios representative Alliance Of Motion Picture And Television Producers (AMPTP) said over the weekend that they had reached a tentative four-year deal.
The breakthrough comes less than one month before the Guild’s existing minimum basic agreement was due to expire on May 1. Negotiations were low-key, in contrast to the ill-tempered 2023 talks that triggered a 148-day strike.
The new deal will need approval by the Guild board and member ratification and tentatively brings agreement on a cash infusion into the ailing health plan that has been operating at a deficit due to industry-wide contraction and rising healthcare costs.
Other talking points covered AI guardrails and streamer residuals. Details were not disclosed.
If the latest accord wins approval it means both parties will not return to the negotiating table until 2030. Renegotiated contacts typically last three years. The studios will welcome the four-year time-frame as it gives them longer respite from potential industrial action at the next set of talks.
SAG-AFTRA and DGA are expected to commence their talks in the coming months. Both contracts expire on June 30.
WGA statement appears below:
Today the WGA Negotiating Committee unanimously approved a four-year tentative agreement with the AMPTP for the 2026 Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA). Crucially, it protects our health plan and puts it on a sustainable path, with increased company contributions across many areas and long-needed increases to health contribution caps. The new contract also builds on gains from 2023 and helps address free work challenges.
The WGA Negotiating Committee recommends that the WGAW Board and WGAE Council approve sending the agreement to the WGA membership for a ratification vote later this month. The Memorandum of Agreement and Summary will be shared after the Board and Council vote.
Members will receive more information in the coming days, including dates for joint WGAE-WGAW Zoom meetings where they will have the opportunity to learn about the deal terms before the ratification voting period.
AMPTP statement appears below:
“The AMPTP has reached a tentative agreement with the WGA. We look forward to building on this progress as we continue working toward agreements that support long-term industry stability.”
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