On May 2, all members of WGA and SAG-AFTRA began their strike against large film and television corporations. This would be the first time both the writers’ and actors’ guild would be on strike since 1960. The strike came to fruition after their requests for an increased minimum compensation and stronger workers’ rights and protections were denied. Though both unions were negotiating their own contracts, they joined forces due to their similar causes. This strike would later become WGA’s second longest strike since 1988.
Writers, actors and animators alike met in the streets of Los Angeles and New York to protest the producers and companies that have treated them and their colleagues unfairly. Several big-budget productions, including the summer blockbusters “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” ended their promotions early in solidarity with the unions. Many well-known actors such as Margot Robbie, Dwayne Johnson and Daniel Radcliffe also joined the picket lines throughout the months of protest to show their stance on what was occurring in the industry.
After 146 days of protest, the WGA and AMPTP reached an agreement that ended the guild’s strike against major Hollywood studios on Sept. 27, 2023. Unfortunately, this deal does not include SAG-AFTRA, and the union will continue their strike against the studios. Though their requests have still not been met, on. Oct. 2 SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP met for the first time since the strike started to continue negotiations. Though talks seem to be difficult due the two groups, both parties hope to come to a common group soon so that art can be continued to be made.
