The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has officially ratified a new four-year deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Members voted 90.38% in favour, with 4,282 votes for and 456 against. Turnout was notably lower than in 2023, when nearly 9,000 votes were cast.
The contract includes a $321 million infusion into the writers' health plan over its term, addressing a significant deficit. The WGA secured increases in employer contribution caps but agreed to modifications and rollbacks on the guild health insurance policy in return. The deal also delivers minor gains on residuals and artificial intelligence protections, as well as minimum rate increases, but failed to secure improvements on writers' room sizes.
The ratification marks a swift end to negotiations, which began in March. The WGA reached a tentative deal less than a month into bargaining, surprising many in the industry. The agreement came with concessions, including an extension of the contract length – the studios had initially pushed for a five-year term.
WGA West President Michele Mulroney praised the negotiating committee and staff, stating, “In the face of industry contraction and runaway healthcare cost inflation, writers were able to secure a contract that returns our Health Fund to a sustainable path.” An AMPTP spokesperson welcomed the deal, highlighting “historic investments in the writers’ health plan” and a “collaborative approach”.
The writers' deal was finalised before other major unions have concluded their own talks. SAG-AFTRA is set to resume bargaining on 27 April, while the Directors Guild of America (DGA) will not start until May. Meanwhile, the WGA West’s own staff – represented by the Writers Guild Staff Union (WGSU) – remain on strike, having rejected a proposed deal and voted to continue their industrial action.
