In May 2023, Hollywood found itself in turmoil as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) embarked on a strike to demand fair treatment and recognition for its members, raising various concerns and demands. WGA is advocating for higher base pay and a larger portion of profits generated by content streamed on online platforms. Furthermore, they are pushing for safeguards against studios utilizing artificial intelligence to substitute their roles in the industry. Recently, the strike crossed the 100 days mark earlier this week on Wednesday. Here’s a timeline of the Hollywood writers' strike 2023:
April 17: WGA approves strike authorization
The Writers Guild of America members overwhelmingly voted in favor of authorizing a strike with 97.9% of voting yes, signaling their resolve to fight for better working conditions and protections amidst the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry.
May 1: WGA calls for strike
On May 1, negotiations between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the WGA collapsed. The guild highlighted concerns over the rise of the 'gig economy,' a labor market known for short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs.
May 2: Writers’ strike begins
May 2nd marked the beginning of the Hollywood writers' strike. The strike was initiated due to an impasse arising from discussions between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and prominent studios.
May 7: Solidarity Rally and support
The WGA organized a Solidarity Rally, joined by other entertainment unions, to demonstrate the unity among industry professionals in support of the writers' cause.
June 14: SAG-AFTRA joins the strike. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) initiated their own strike, highlighting the widening impact of the labor unrest across the entertainment industry and showcasing strong solidarity.
August 9: A hundred days of resolve
As the strike reached its 100th day, the WGA reaffirmed its commitment to remaining resolved and united in the pursuit of fair treatment and recognition for its members.
August 11: Writers receive counter proposal from studios
The Hollywood writers' group, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) receives a counterproposal from the American studios. WGA says that they would respond next week "after deliberation" on the offer.
