The Writers Guild of America’s West and East branches have approved a four‑year contract with the film and television studios via the AMPTP, marking a longer pact after a tense negotiating season. More than 90 percent of ballots backed the deal, while about 9.6 percent voted against it. The contract runs from May 2, 2026, to May 1, 2030.
Key terms include a substantive investment in the health fund, wage increases, and better residuals. The studios pressed for a four‑year term, and the agreement delivers that timeline. Over the life of the deal, the health plan is projected to receive about $280 million in contributions.
WGAW President Michele Mulroney described the outcome as a stabilizing step amid industry contraction and rising health costs, noting gains built on the 2023 strike. She credited the negotiating committee, led by co‑chairs Danielle Sanchez‑Witzel and John August, along with the WGAW Board and the WGAE Council, and thanked the members for their support.
WGAE President Tom Fontana emphasized ongoing vigilance in enforcing the MBA and ensuring writers are paid fairly as streaming and artificial‑intelligence considerations shape the field. He praised the collective effort that keeps unions strong through ongoing negotiations.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers issued a statement congratulating the WGA on the ratification, highlighting health‑care investments, improved residuals and wages, and protections for writers’ work. The union said it will use this momentum to broaden deals with SAG‑AFTRA and the DGA to secure industry stability and opportunity.
With the WGA deal secured, SAG‑AFTRA will resume negotiations on Monday, and talks with the Directors Guild are scheduled to begin in May.
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