The WGA Writers' Strike Has Officially Begun, and This is What That Means
Screenwriters have officially gone on strike in an effort to negotiate fair and equitable contracts which have not been renegotiate since the last writers' strike in 2007. The Olympic rise of streaming services have left writers unfairly compensated for their efforts, specifically regarding structural change to the business models, pay increases, and more.
While it has only been sixteen years since the last negotiation, the entire infrastructure of the television world has radically changed. Streaming services have had an Olympic and system-altering rise, and writers have pointed out that major companies have been taking advantage of this transition. The WGA put out a bulletin on March 14th where they shared:
"The companies have used the transition to streaming to cut writer pay and separate writing from production, worsening working conditions for series writers at all levels. On TV staffs, more writers are working at minimum regardless of experience, often for fewer weeks, or in mini-rooms, while showrunners are left without a writing staff to complete the season. And while series budgets have soared over the past decade, median writer-producer pay has fallen."
Last night a lot of A-list celebs were asked if they support the writers' strike.
— More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) May 2, 2023
Jimmy Fallon said, "I wouldn't have a show if it wasn't for my writers, I support them all the way."
Who else supports the strike? Thread. pic.twitter.com/EjlRWiRXd3
Stars on both sides of the screen have made comments in support of writers. Talk show host Jimmy Fallon said, "I wouldn't have a show if it wasn't for my writers, and I support them all the way. They gotta have a fair contract, and they have a lot of stuff to iron out. Hopefully they get it done."
We support the writers, and look forward to them reaching a fair resolution.
