WGA Votes to Ratify Contract, Officially Ending One of Hollywood’s Longest Strikes

variety.com:

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer The Writers Guild of America has voted overwhelmingly to ratify its new contract, formally ending one of the longest labor disputes in Hollywood history.

The membership voted 99% in favor of ratification, with 8,435 voting yes and 90 members opposed. In a statement, WGA West president Meredith Stiehm thanked leadership, strike captains, and WGA staff for working to deliver the contract. “Through solidarity and determination, we have ratified a contract with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of our combined membership,” she said. “Together we were able to accomplish what many said was impossible only six months ago.” The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios in bargaining, congratulated the WGA on ratifying the contract, “which represents meaningful gains and protections for writers.” “It is important progress for our industry that writers are back to work,” the studio group said.

The WGA ended its strike on Sept. 27, after the boards of the WGA West and East voted to submit the tentative agreement to the membership for ratification.

The voting period opened on Oct. 2 and closed at 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday. Ratification is a necessary step to get the industry back up and running.