The 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike marked a significant moment in Hollywood's labor history. Beginning on May 2, 2023, and concluding on September 27, 2023, the strike involved 11,500 screenwriters and was the first of its kind since the 2007-2008 strike. This article provides a detailed timeline of the strike, highlighting the major events and negotiations that took place during this period.
The Beginning of the Strike
On April 18, 2023, the Writers Guild of America
voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if a satisfactory agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) was not reached by May 1. Despite lengthy negotiations, no deal was made, leading to the strike's commencement on May 2. The WGA set strict rules for its members, prohibiting writing, revising, pitching, or discussing future projects with AMPTP member companies.
The strike quickly impacted the entertainment industry, with numerous film and television productions halted. The WGA instructed its members to begin picketing at various major studios, including Disney, Netflix, and Warner Bros., among others. The strike also affected other areas of the entertainment ecosystem, such as the VFX industry and prop-making studios.
Mid-Strike Developments
As the strike continued into June, air quality issues from Canadian wildfires temporarily paused picketing in New York. Tensions rose when Lionsgate suspended a producer following an altercation with striking writers. By July, the AMPTP indicated that negotiations would not resume until October, hoping financial strain would weaken the writers' resolve.
In August, the WGA and AMPTP resumed negotiations, with discussions focusing on safeguarding writers from AI technology. However, talks remained at a stalemate until late September. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma urged major studios to return to negotiations, highlighting the strike's economic impact on the state.
Resolution and Aftermath
Negotiations intensified in late September, with studio CEOs joining the talks. On September 24, a tentative agreement was reached, leading to the strike's official end on September 27. The WGA secured significant gains, including increases in minimum wage, compensation, and residual payments, as well as regulations on AI usage.
On October 9, the WGA membership ratified the new contract with overwhelming support. The strike, lasting 148 days, was one of the longest in WGA history, second only to the 1988 strike. It highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by writers in the evolving landscape of media production and distribution.
