The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has officially voted to end its strike, marking a significant turning point in the labor dispute that has been ongoing for over six months. While the final ratification vote is yet to take place, writers will be able to resume work starting at 12:01 AM PT on September 27. The decision follows a series of negotiation sessions between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which resulted in a tentative agreement.
AI’s Role in the New Contract
One of the key points of contention in the negotiations was the use of generative AI in the writing process. The newly released summary of the contract highlights several protections against AI’s pervasive use. Key provisions include:
- Restrictions on AI: Generative AI is prohibited from being used to create or modify literary content. Anything generated by AI cannot be considered source material for writers.
- Voluntary AI Use: Writers have the option to utilize AI tools, but only with the consent of the company or studio. Studios are not allowed to compel writers to use AI software like ChatGPT.
- Disclosure of AI-Generated Content: If studios provide materials to writers that include AI-generated content, they are required to disclose this information.
- AI Training Limits: The agreement explicitly prohibits the exploitation of writers’ work for the purpose of training AI.
Other Contractual Benefits
Beyond the AI-related provisions, the new contract offers several advantages to writers:
- Enhanced Compensation: Writers will receive increased pay, improved pension and health contributions, and augmented payment and residuals for streaming projects.
- Global Streaming Residuals: Foreign streaming residuals will be based on the total number of subscribers for services available worldwide.
- Domestic Streaming Residuals: Residuals for certain domestic projects will depend on the number of hours streamed by subscribers in the United States.
The contract’s duration spans three years, effective until May 1, 2026.
SAG-AFTRA’s Ongoing Strike
While the WGA strike has come to a resolution, SAG-AFTRA, the Screen Actors Guild?American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, is currently engaged in its own strike. Notably, SAG-AFTRA recently authorized a strike for video game performers, further emphasizing the organization’s commitment to securing favorable terms in negotiations with video game producers.
The conclusion of the WGA strike signifies an important moment in the entertainment industry’s labor landscape, as writers return to their craft with newfound protections in the age of AI content creation.
