The 2023 WGA/SAGAFTRA Strike: The Facts (as of 8/1/23)

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG/AFTRA) play crucial roles in the entertainment industry, representing the creative minds and performers who bring our favorite movies and TV shows to life. These two powerful unions advocate for fair pay, working conditions, and creative rights for their members. Over the years, they have occasionally engaged in labor strikes to protect their interests. This article explores the historical significance of strikes within these unions and delves into the timeline of the current 2023 WGA and SAG/AFTRA strike.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) represents thousands of writers across film, television, and new media. These talented individuals create the compelling stories, dialogue, and characters that captivate audiences worldwide. Without their contributions, the entertainment landscape would be devoid of the powerful narratives that shape our culture and influence society.

Similarly, the Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG/AFTRA) represents performers, including actors, announcers, singers, and other media professionals. Actors breathe life into scripts, infusing emotion, depth, and authenticity into the characters they portray. Their craft is essential in making relatable stories that truly resonate with audiences.

The entertainment industry faced a similar labor dispute in 1960 when the WGA and SAG/AFTRA united to demand better working conditions and fair compensation. That strike lasted 35 days, bringing film and TV production to a halt and causing huge financial losses for both studios and networks.

During this historic strike, writers and actors stood in solidarity, demonstrating the power of collective bargaining in the entertainment world. Their demands centered around improved residuals, reasonable working hours, and a share of the profits from the burgeoning television industry. That strike eventually resulted in reasonable concessions from the studios, setting a precedent for future negotiations.

Fast forward to 2023, and the industry finds itself in another significant labor dispute, as the WGA and SAG/AFTRA once again join forces to address pressing issues affecting their members. Let's take a closer look at the timeline of events:

• March 20, 2023: WGA negotiations begin after the publication of a report highlighting screenwriters' compensation issues. The report underscores the adverse effects of the rise of streaming services on writers' pay and job stability.

• April 17, 2023: WGA authorizes a strike with an overwhelming 97.9% approval from its members. This record-breaking vote indicates the seriousness of the concerns and the unity among the writers.

• May 2, 2023: The WGA calls for a strike as negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) fail to reach a resolution before the deadline. This marks the first strike by the WGA in 15 years.

• May 5, 2023: In a show of solidarity with the striking writers, actress Drew Barrymore steps down from hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards, emphasizing the importance of supporting the writers' cause.

• May 11, 2023: Actress Mayim Bialik steps away from hosting Jeopardy! to support the striking writers, highlighting the impact of the strike on various areas of the entertainment industry.

• May 12, 2023: The WGA denies the Tony Awards' waiver request to air live, raising concerns for Broadway's survival as the theater industry heavily relies on the Tony Awards for national exposure.

• May 15, 2023: The WGA agrees not to picket the Tony Awards, allowing the ceremony to be broadcast live with alterations. The guild also asks all WGA Tony nominees not to attend the awards show.

• June 5, 2023: SAG-AFTRA authorizes a potential strike with an impressive 98% approval, demonstrating their commitment to supporting fair labor practices.

• June 7, 2023: SAG-AFTRA begins negotiations with AMPTP, striving to secure better conditions and compensation for their members.

• June 11, 2023: The Tony Awards air live with no script, amidst ongoing discussions concerning the strikes' resolution.

• June 23, 2023: The Directors Guild of America (DGA) approves a new contract with the AMPTP, avoiding its own strike and setting a precedent for fruitful negotiations.

• June 24, 2023: SAG-AFTRA leaders report productive negotiations with AMPTP, indicating potential progress towards a resolution.

• June 27, 2023: A-list actors, including Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence, sign an open letter threatening to strike if their demands for improved wages, creative freedom, and union strength are not met.

• June 30, 2023: SAG-AFTRA negotiations are extended until July 12, indicating the complexity of the discussions and the challenges involved in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.

• July 11, 2023: The AMPTP requests federal mediation, highlighting the need for third-party intervention to resolve the impasse between the unions and the studios.

• July 11, 2023: A Deadline report alleges the AMPTP's plan to prolong the WGA strike, raising concerns about the studios' commitment to negotiating in good faith.

• July 12, 2023: The SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee votes unanimously to recommend a strike, expressing the seriousness of the issues at stake.

• July 13, 2023: SAG-AFTRA officially announces the strike beginning at midnight, marking a critical moment in the labor dispute.

• July 20, 2023: The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) averts a strike by reaching a tentative deal with Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions for Pink Contract workers, easing concerns about disruptions in Broadway shows.

Of course, all of this also has a lot to do with artificial intelligence (AI), mainly because the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) hold different stances on the use of said technology in screenwriting. The WGA formed an AI working group, acknowledging both the potential threat and possibilities of AI. Their proposals aimed to protect screenwriters from economic harm while allowing them the freedom to use AI as a tool. They emphasized the need to channel AI's power rather than banning it outright.

On the other hand, the AMPTP has not ruled out the future use of AI in screenwriting, raising concerns among writers about potential exploitation and undermining their role. The studios see AI as a tool to enhance the filmmaking process, but some writers fear it may lead to uncredited work and reduced compensation. The WGA's proposals, including not considering AI-generated material as "literary" or "source" material and prohibiting independent AI scriptwriting, did not receive immediate acceptance from the AMPTP.

The issue of AI has become one of the most potent points of contention in the ongoing writers' strike, reflecting the fears and concerns of creative professionals. The WGA aims to strike a balance by protecting writers' interests while acknowledging the potential benefits AI could bring if used responsibly and collaboratively. Despite the challenges and different perspectives, both parties need to find common ground to address the uncertainty and rapid advancements in AI technology in the creative economy.

The ongoing 2023 WGA and SAG/AFTRA strike reflects the continued importance of labor unions in fighting for fair wages, working conditions, and creative rights in the entertainment industry. This history of labor actions within these unions, combined with the current events, showcases the enduring commitment of writers and performers to stand together and secure their rightful place in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood. The outcome of the current strike will undoubtedly shape the future of the entertainment industry, impacting not only the creative minds and performers but also the millions of viewers who enjoy their work.