Writers Guild of America Approves New Deals with Major Studios
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has finalized four-year agreements with key studios, but this includes significant cuts to health plans for screenwriters.
Guild members overwhelmingly supported the new Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA) for 2026, with 90.38% voting in favor and 9.62% against. This agreement will be effective from May 2nd, 2026, until May 1st, 2030.
As part of the agreement reached on April 4, writers will face individual insurance premiums for the first time. The deal also introduces higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, along with the notable removal of the “extended coverage points” system designed to help writers keep their health insurance even when they’re not working.
WGAW President Michelle Mulroney expressed that “in light of industry contraction and rising health care costs, the writers managed to put the health fund onto a more sustainable path while securing a contract that builds on the results of the 2023 strike.” She acknowledged the efforts of the negotiating committee, led by co-chairs Daniel Sánchez-Witzel and John August, and thanked all the writers who supported them.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) congratulated the WGA for ratifying a new contract that they claim includes historic investments in writers’ health plans, improved residuals and wages, and job security. They noted that this agreement aims to foster both writers’ support and the long-term stability of the industry, looking forward to similar outcomes with SAG-AFTRA and the DGA.
The WGA found itself needing to accept these changes after facing an average annual deficit of $50 million over the past four years, driven by escalating health costs and a decline in film and television production. In response, studios are committing around $321 million over the next four years to stabilize the health fund, which includes $280 million in new contributions.
Michelle Mulroney mentioned that the union was aware adjustments were necessary and aimed to keep them as manageable as possible.
This deal signifies the first agreement reached in this negotiation cycle. The AMPTP plans to resume discussions with SAG-AFTRA next Monday, following over a month of talks earlier this year. There is optimism that negotiations will conclude successfully before the Directors Guild of America meets with the studio on May 11.
While largely maintaining the existing conditions that led to the 148-day strike in 2023, the WGA’s contract does call for additional discussions regarding artificial intelligence, though studios haven’t committed to compensating screenwriters whose scripts might train AI models.
AMPTP has also agreed to increase the “success bonus” for popular streaming shows from 50% to 75% of a writer’s base residual, although this does not alter the formula for determining success.
Furthermore, the agreement upholds the staffing conditions established in 2023, without increasing the required minimum number of writers. While AMPTP had suggested reinstating the “mini room,” the WGA remained firm in its position against it.
