'They're willing to fight.' WGA leaders brace for tough negotiations

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It has been nearly three years since Hollywood writers went on a historic strike that lasted 148 days and ushered in an extraordinary period of labor unrest that virtually shut down the film and TV business.Now, writers are poised to commence another round of bargaining with the major studios on a new three-year film and TV contract.Few observers think the union is girding for another showdown, especially at a time when many of its members are struggling to find work amid media consolidation and belt-tightening.But in advance of negotiations that begin on Monday , union leaders are eager to dispel any perception that they might have scaled back their demands.“Our members have shown many times that they’re willing to fight for what we need as a collective group,” WGA West President Michele Mulroney said in an interview.

“And there’s no exception here.”With its current contract expiring on May 1, the WGA hopes to improve its members’ healthcare plans, increase streaming residuals and expand AI protections.Hollywood Inc.

Last week, SAG-AFTRA and major Hollywood studios announced they would extend their negotiations for a week, and WGA released a list of its own contract demands.Ellen Stutzman, the union’s executive director, said despite popular belief, the studios have weathered the transition from cable television to streaming “very well,” citing their efforts to maximize revenue with streaming bundling, rising subscription fees and advertising revenue.“Writers are watching as Netflix and Paramount are fighting it out to acquire Warner Bros...Paramount is spending $81 billion,” said Stutzman.

“There’s money for a fair deal for writers.”The union leaders agree that this year’s negotiations are all focused on the sustainability of a writer’s career.A spokesperson from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the ma...