SAG-AFTRA members have voted to ratify a new three-year contract, valued at over $1 billion, ending the 118-day actors' strike. The contract raises minimum wage rates, establishes AI protections, creates a streaming bonus, and includes performance capture work. The agreement received 78.33% "yes" votes and will be retroactive to June 9, 2022. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers congratulated SAG-AFTRA, stating that the new contract represents "historic gains and protections for performers."
Union workers at Mack Trucks have voted to ratify a new five-year contract, ending a 39-day strike. The contract, which covers approximately 3,900 employees in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida, includes significant local improvements, a 20% compounded raise, and a $3,500 ratification bonus. Job security was a major concern for the workers, and language addressing this issue was added to the local agreement. While some workers expressed disappointment over the absence of cost-of-living adjustments, the majority found the contract acceptable and are ready to return to work.
Despite some local unions voting against the new United Auto Workers-General Motors contract, the majority of members are voting in favor of ratification. As of midday Wednesday, 55% of members have voted yes. However, workers at three large assembly plants have rejected the deal, including those in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Wentzville, Missouri; and Lansing Grand River, Michigan. If the contract is turned down, the UAW will face key decisions on how to proceed, including the possibility of strikes and the impact on organizing efforts at foreign-owned automakers.
The SAG-AFTRA national board has approved a new contract with major studios, which includes a 7% raise in minimums, a $40 million residual bonus for actors on successful streaming shows, and measures to address the use of artificial intelligence. The deal now goes to the union's membership for ratification, with approval expected. The agreement ends the union's 118-day strike, allowing actors to return to work.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has ratified a new contract with major production studios, officially ending a months-long strike that disrupted the entertainment industry. The deal includes salary increases, improved contributions to health and pension funds, and guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence. While late-night television programs have resumed production, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike is ongoing. The WGA expressed solidarity with the actors' strike and called on the studios to negotiate a deal that addresses performers' needs.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has ratified a new contract with Hollywood and television studios, with 99% of members voting in favor. The contract, which will be in effect until May 2026, includes increased minimum pay for writers, improved health fund contributions, and better compensation for streaming projects. The deal also addresses concerns about AI-generated content and requires streaming services to be more transparent about program streaming hours. The ratification marks the end of one of the longest strikes in the WGA's history, while the ongoing strike by SAG-AFTRA actors continues.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has officially ratified a three-year contract deal, marking the end of the second-longest strike in the union's history. The contract, supported by 99% of union members, includes meaningful gains and protections for writers in all sectors. The strike, which lasted 148 days, disrupted Hollywood productions and led to food insecurity and eviction concerns for industry workers. The WGA urges the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to negotiate a fair contract with SAG-AFTRA. The deal was reached after the involvement of industry leaders and addresses issues such as minimum staffing requirements, success-based residuals for streaming titles, regulations on AI use in writing, and foreign residuals.
Walt Disney World Cast Members have won negotiations for a pay raise, with minimum wages increasing to $18 per hour if the contract is ratified by the union. Back pay of $1 extra per hour since October 1, 2022, will also apply to Cast Members hired on or before that date. All Cast Members will receive a minimum of a $5.50 raise over the next five years, with additional raises for several classifications of unionized Cast Members. The agreement also includes a new provision for eight weeks of paid Child Bonding Leave. Voting will take place on March 29 to ratify the new contract.
