Writers Guild of America reaches tentative deal with studios

The Writers Guild of America has made a tentative deal with the major studios one month before its contract was set to expire, the guild said on social media Saturday night.

The labor union, which represents thousands of writers in film, TV, radio and online media, reached the preliminary deal Saturday with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Variety and Deadline first reported the news.

“This deal protects writers’ health plan and puts it on a sustainable path, builds on gains from 2023, and helps address free work challenges," the guild said on Instagram, adding that it will provide members with more information in the coming days.

The union’s contract was set to expire in a month, and WGA members will now vote on whether to finalize the deal.

AMPTP also confirmed the tentative agreement.

"We look forward to building on this progress as we continue working toward agreements that support long-term industry stability," it said in a statement.

The association represents NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News.

The deal appears to be a win for the WGA, which had bargained for additional contributions to its health fund and pension plan. The deal includes a multimillion-dollar contribution to the health plan, AI protections and a rise in streaming residuals, Deadline reported.

The agreement is also for four years, longer than the typical three-year contract term, Variety reported.

It’s a surprise that a deal was reached so swiftly on the heels of the WGA’s 148-day strike in 2023, which disrupted Hollywood programming.