Expensive Members,
Now we have reached a tentative settlement on a brand new 2023 MBA, which is to say an settlement in precept on all deal factors, topic to drafting closing contract language.
What we’ve gained on this contract—most notably, every part we’ve gained since Might 2nd—is because of the willingness of this membership to train its energy, to exhibit its solidarity, to stroll side-by-side, to endure the ache and uncertainty of the previous 146 days. It’s the leverage generated by your strike, in live performance with the extraordinary assist of our union siblings, that lastly introduced the businesses again to the desk to make a deal.
We will say, with nice satisfaction, that this deal is outstanding—with significant features and protections for writers in each sector of the membership.
What stays now’s for our employees to ensure every part we’ve agreed to is codified in closing contract language. And although we’re wanting to share the main points of what has been achieved with you, we can not do this till the final “i” is dotted. To take action would complicate our capability to complete the job. So, as you could have been affected person with us earlier than, we ask you to be affected person once more—one final time.
As soon as the Memorandum of Settlement with the AMPTP is full, the Negotiating Committee will vote on whether or not to suggest the settlement and ship it on to the WGAW Board and WGAE Council for approval. The Board and Council will then vote on whether or not to authorize a contract ratification vote by the membership.
If that authorization is permitted, the Board and Council would additionally vote on whether or not to carry the restraining order and finish the strike at a sure date and time (to be decided) pending ratification. This may enable writers to return to work throughout the ratification vote, however wouldn’t have an effect on the membership’s proper to make a closing willpower on contract approval.
Instantly after these management votes, that are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday if the language is settled, we are going to present a complete abstract of the deal factors and the Memorandum of Settlement. We may even convene conferences the place members could have the chance to be taught extra about and assess the deal earlier than voting on ratification.
To be clear, nobody is to return to work till particularly licensed to by the Guild. We’re nonetheless on strike till then. However we’re, as of right this moment, suspending WGA picketing. As a substitute, in case you are in a position, we encourage you to be a part of the SAG-AFTRA picket traces this week.
Lastly, we appreciated your persistence as you waited for information from us—and needed to fend off rumors—throughout the previous few days of the negotiation. Please watch for additional data from the Guild. We could have extra to share with you within the coming days, as we finalize the contract language and undergo our unions’ processes.
As at all times, thanks on your assist. You’ll hear from us once more very quickly.
In solidarity,
WGA Negotiating Committee