Members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) have voted to go on strike if a deal is not reached with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers before their contract expires at 11:59 p.m. on Monday. The negotiations center on residual fees for writers’ work when it is broadcast or syndicated and a contract structure that accounts for the fact that most content is now watched on streaming services.
Social media has added a new dimension to the strike, with writers taking to Twitter and Facebook to express their opinions and show solidarity. Late-night shows are expected to be immediately affected, and other shows could face delays if the standoff continues. Negotiations have not yet resumed.
Quinta Brunson, at the #MetGala, on the potential writers’ strike that could happen as soon as Tuesday.
“I’m a member of WGA [Writers Guild of America] and support WGA, and them getting — we, us — getting what we need.” https://t.co/3Xv5AzigsM pic.twitter.com/1aDQsh8d0L
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 1, 2023
The WGA has been negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers for some time. The main issue is how writers are compensated for their work, especially when it is aired on streaming platforms, which have become the primary way that viewers consume content.
The WGA is calling for changes to the residual fees system so that writers receive a fair share of the profits generated by their work. The guild is also seeking to ensure that writers are adequately compensated when their work is distributed on streaming platforms.
The strike will have a significant impact on the entertainment industry, as many television shows and movies rely on the talent of writers to create compelling stories and characters. Late-night shows, which rely heavily on topical humor and commentary, will be particularly vulnerable to the effects of the strike.
Negotiations between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers have yet to resume, and it is unclear when a deal will be reached. In the meantime, writers are using social media to express their views and show solidarity, hoping to bring attention to the issues at the heart of the strike.
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