The Hollywood Writers’ Guild Votes Overwhelmingly for Strike Authorization in a move that could lead to production shutdowns and television disruptions, members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) have overwhelmingly voted to give union negotiators the power to call for a strike. The WGA announced on Monday that 97.85% of members who voted supported the motion, allowing negotiators to order a work stoppage if they do not have a new contract by May 1. The group’s 11,500 members showed nearly 80% turnout in the voting process.
According to WGA writers, they have been struggling with pay cuts and fewer opportunities during the recent streaming TV boom. They have been seeking pay increases from major studios such as Netflix and Disney, citing the need for a return to writing as a career rather than a gig. Many low- and mid-level writers, especially those living in expensive cities like New York and Los Angeles, have been forced to work second jobs to make ends meet.
“Insecure” writer Amy Aniobi voiced her support for the strike authorization, saying that she hopes it will help to bring about meaningful change in the industry. The last WGA strike in 2007-2008 lasted for 100 days and had a significant impact on the California economy, estimated at $2.1 billion by the Milken Institute. The TV networks aired reruns and reality shows during the strike, but the current landscape of streaming services could result in a more substantial disruption if a strike were to occur.
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