WGA Negotiations Loom as AI and Health Fund Top Concerns
As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) prepares to resume negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), two key issues are dominating the agenda: the financial health of the WGA health plan and the ongoing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on writers’ work. The negotiations, set to start next week, reach amid a less militant atmosphere than the 2023 strike, but significant challenges remain.
Health Fund Faces Deficits
A primary concern is the WGA health fund, which is currently facing substantial deficits due to a contraction in the entertainment industry and fewer writers working. The WGA is expected to request increased contributions from studios to bolster the fund. Michele Mulroney, president of WGA West, stated the union will prioritize affordability and member choice when considering potential plan changes. The fund’s extended coverage program, which allows writers to utilize accrued points to maintain health coverage during periods of unemployment, is also under review, as increased usage strains resources. Ellen Stutzman, the guild’s chief negotiator, emphasized the importance of this program, noting it was designed to support freelance workers and foster a sustainable industry.
AI Remains a Central Issue
The issue of AI remains a critical focus for the WGA, following gains made in the 2023 strike where the union secured fundamental protections against the use of AI to replace writers. John August, co-chair of the WGA Negotiating Committee, affirmed that the current protections have held, with studios not attempting to directly replace writers with AI systems. However, the WGA aims to ensure writers are compensated when their work is used to train AI models or generate AI-driven outputs. August explained that if studios can license material for AI use, a portion of that revenue should be shared with the writers who created the original content, mirroring existing residual structures.
The recent licensing deal between Disney and OpenAI, allowing Sora to generate videos using Disney characters, has raised concerns. While the WGA acknowledges the studios’ right to license copyrighted material, they insist writers deserve compensation when their work contributes to AI-generated content. The WGA is seeking clarity on how AI-generated outputs will be treated in terms of residuals and credits.
Addressing “Free Work” in Television
Another key issue is the practice of writers being asked to perform additional work without compensation, particularly in television development. The WGA secured a “guaranteed second step” for feature writers in the previous agreement, addressing this issue in film, and now seeks to extend similar protections to television writers. Danielle Sanchez Witzel, a negotiating co-chair, highlighted the problem of writers being held exclusive for extended periods during development, unable to pursue other work. The union proposes designating producers as agents of the company, ensuring any requested additional material is paid for.
AMPTP Responds
The AMPTP issued a statement expressing its commitment to a “constructive and collaborative bargaining process,” and confidence in reaching “balanced solutions that support talented writers while sustaining the long-term success and stability of our industry and its workforce.”
The WGA staff union is currently on strike, seeking better wages and job protections, including protection against AI-driven job displacement. Negotiations with the studios are proceeding despite the staff strike, according to WGA leadership.