Hollywood Strikes 2023: Key Dates and Resolutions Unveiled
In a historic turn of events this summer, both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) embarked on simultaneous strikes, marking the first instance in 63 years where Hollywood's writers and actors united in a work stoppage. Here's an in-depth look at the major events that unfolded:
Background:
This marked
the WGA's first strike since 2008, and SAG's first since the 1980s. While the
unions had distinct demands, such as broader member protections and limitations
on generative AI, their shared goal was fair labor contracts.
March 20, 2023: WGA Initiates Negotiations
Negotiations
kick-started after the WGA highlighted the adverse impact of streaming services
on screenwriters' compensation.
April 17, 2023: WGA Authorizes Strike
With an
unprecedented 97.9% approval, WGA members signaled their readiness for a
strike, the highest authorization in the union's history.
May 2, 2023: WGA Strikes
Late-night
shows and Saturday Night Live cease production as the WGA officially goes on
strike for the first time in 15 years.
May 5, 2023: Impact on MTV Awards
Drew
Barrymore steps down from hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards in solidarity
with the strike, leading to a prerecorded broadcast.
May 11, 2023: Jeopardy! Affected
Mayim
Bialik steps away from hosting Jeopardy!, allowing Ken Jennings to take over
for the final episodes of the season.
May 12, 2023: Tony Awards Broadcast in Jeopardy
The WGA
denies a waiver request from the Tony Awards to air live, raising concerns
about Broadway's survival.
June 5, 2023: SAG-AFTRA Authorizes Potential Strike
SAG-AFTRA
approves a potential strike with an overwhelming 98% approval ahead of
negotiations with the AMPTP.
June 7, 2023: SAG-AFTRA Negotiations Begin
SAG-AFTRA
begins negotiations, emphasizing a thoughtful and mutually beneficial deal with
the AMPTP.
June 11, 2023: Tony Awards Go Unscripted
The Tony
Awards air live but with an unscripted program, featuring an opening dance
number by Ariana DeBose.
June 23, 2023: DGA Avoids Strike
The
Directors Guild of America (DGA) avoids a strike, ratifying a new contract with
the AMPTP.
June 24, 2023: SAG-AFTRA Optimistic
SAG-AFTRA
leaders express optimism, stating negotiations have been "extremely
productive."
June 27, 2023: A-Listers Threaten Strike
Over 300
SAG-AFTRA members, including Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep, sign an open
letter threatening a strike.
June 30, 2023: Negotiations Extended
AMPTP and
SAG-AFTRA extend negotiations until July 12, avoiding an immediate strike.
July 11, 2023: Federal Mediation Requested
AMPTP
requests federal mediation, signaling a last-minute effort to avert a SAG-AFTRA
strike.
July 11, 2023: Report on WGA Strike
A Deadline
report alleges that the studios intend to let the WGA strike persist,
anticipating a prolonged stand-off.
July 12, 2023: SAG-AFTRA Committee Recommends Strike
SAG-AFTRA's
negotiating committee unanimously recommends a strike, escalating tensions.
July 13, 2023: SAG-AFTRA Officially Strikes
The
SAG-AFTRA National Board announces a strike, marking the first joint action by
SAG and WGA members since 1960.
September 25, 2023: WGA Resolves Strike
After 146
days, the WGA reaches a tentative deal with the AMPTP, officially ratified on
October 9.
November 8, 2023: SAG-AFTRA Ends Strike
After 118
days, SAG-AFTRA tentatively approves a deal, ending the strike with significant
gains, officially ratified on December 5.
Both the
WGA and SAG-AFTRA contracts are now set until 2026, showcasing a united front
and substantial wins for Hollywood's creative forces.
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