The WGA recently updated its members, revealing that after 102 days of striking and with prior AMPTP silence, negotiations finally resumed on August 11th, when the companies presented their first counteroffer.
Responding promptly, the WGA engaged in discussions throughout the week. On Monday of the following week, they were invited to meet with industry leaders Bob Iger, Donna Langley, Ted Sarandos, David Zaslav, and Carol Lombardini. This invite came with a message indicating the companies' readiness to end the strike and negotiate a deal. The WGA accepted this invitation in good faith, hoping to return the industry to work.
However, instead of a productive negotiation, the meeting turned into a lecture on the merits of the companies' single counteroffer. The WGA outlined the counteroffer's shortcomings and explained that the strike was initiated to address multiple issues in the industry, not just a few.
The WGA realized that the companies' intention wasn't to reach an agreement but to pressure them into submission. Shortly after leaving the meeting, the AMPTP released a summary of their proposals, reinforcing the belief that their strategy was to divide the striking members.
The WGA promised to provide a more comprehensive update on the state of negotiations soon and encouraged members to stay strong and continue demonstrating their labor power on the picket lines.
In light of the AMPTP's apparent strategy of pressuring the WGA without a genuine commitment to a fair deal, it's crucial to recognize that their tactics could also extend to members of the SAG_AFTRA. As we stand united on the front lines of this strike, we must remain vigilant, resilient, and unwavering in our determination to secure an equitable agreement that addresses the industry's fundamental issues.
By staying informed and supporting one another, we can ensure that the AMPTP's tactics do not weaken our resolve or divide our ranks, ultimately working toward a better future for all in the entertainment industry.