The WGA (Writers Guild of America) and the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) struck a deal in the final hours of negotiations last night, narrowly avoiding a writers strike. The issues that prompted strike discussions including pay minimums, health care, and issues caused by networks ordering shorter seasons and the rising popularity of streaming services. The WGA released this statement:
“Did we get everything we wanted? No. Everything we deserve? Certainly not. But because we had the near-unanimous backing of you and your fellow writers, we were able to achieve a deal that will net this Guild’s members $130 million more, over the life of the contract, than the pattern we were expected to accept. That result, and that resolve, is a testament to you, your courage, and your faith in us as your representatives.”
The last strike lasted 100 days and cost the city of LA over 2 Billion $US in lost revenues.