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'One step closer': Internet breathes a sigh of relief as SAG-AFTRA congratulates WGA strikers for temp deal with AMPTP

'It's not over for any of us until SAG-AFTRA gets their deal,' a writer said after WGA reached a tentative deal with AMPTP

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) finally reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract ending the historic 146-day strike, which began on May 2.

"We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership," the WGA’s negotiating committee wrote in an email sent to members, Variety reported.

While the strike itself will continue to be in force, picketing was reportedly suspended as of Sunday night, September 24. 

"To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorized to by the Guild. We are still on strike until then," the message read. 

WGA leaders will reportedly vote on Tuesday, September 26, to decide whether the strike order against AMPTP signatories will be formally lifted.

In the wake of decision, members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), who are also on strike against AMPTP, took to social media to congratulate the members of WGA.

The simultaneous WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike made it the first time actors and writers have walked out in protest together since 1960.

SAG-AFTRA congratulates WGA strikers for tentative AMPTP deal 

The SAG-AFTRA was quick to congratulate WGA strikers for reaching a tentative deal with AMPTP. "SAG-AFTRA congratulates the WGA on reaching a tentative agreement with the AMPTP after 146 days of incredible strength, resiliency and solidarity on the picket lines," the union said, as per Deadline. 

"While we look forward to reviewing the WGA and AMPTP’s tentative agreement, we remain committed to achieving the necessary terms for our members,” it added.

"Since the day the WGA strike began, SAG-AFTRA members have stood alongside the writers on the picket lines," it continued.

"We remain on strike in our TV/Theatrical contract and continue to urge the studio and streamer CEOs and the AMPTP to return to the table and make the fair deal that our members deserve and demand," the SAG-AFTRA added. 

The union also took to X, formerly Twitter, to issue a statement on WGA's deal. 

"To our fellow union siblings who serve on the WGA Negotiating Committee, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on securing a tentative agreement with the AMPTP," it wrote. 

"We applaud your dedication, diligence and unwavering solidarity over the last five months and are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you as creative partners in the entertainment industry," the union mentioned. 

"We look forward to reviewing the terms of the WGA and AMPTP’s tentative agreement. And we remain ready to resume our own negotiations with the AMPTP as soon as they are prepared to engage on our proposals in a meaningful way," the statement continued. 

"Until then, we continue to stand strong and unified. In solidarity, The SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical/Streaming Negotiating Committee. #SagAftraStrong," the union concluded. 

Internet reacts to WGA's tentative deal with AMPTP

The internet was full of scenes of relief and solidarity after WGA's tentative deal with AMPTP.

"I know there's a huge sign of relief reverberating through the town right now, but it's not over for any of us until SAG-AFTRA gets their deal," wrote screenwriter Amy Berg.

"Thank you, Amy! The WGA's solidarity is unbelievably inspiring. This was/is hard! One step closer...," responded artist and actress Lisa Catara. 

"We are so excited for you guys!! Thank you for continuing to stand with us actors!! Fingers crossed we will all be back at work together soon…until then…we’ll see y’all at the lines lol," wrote @KatCSterling.

"Thank you for your solidarity!! So thrilled for y'all, and can't wait for it to be our turn!!" tweeted Rachel Esselle.

"Now it’s time for the actors! #SagAftraStrong," one user mentioned. 

"Right. The WGA’s deal can lay the groundwork for SAG-AFTRA’s. So fingers crossed," added another. 

One said, "Bless you. Bless you all. Bless us all," while another added, "They were with you from the beginning and you will be with them till the end."

One user mentioned, "I’m so proud of the writers for standing up for themselves and securing a fair contract. The strike is over and we can enjoy their work again!"

Another said, "So glad to hear about the agreement! Solidarity can move mountains. Thank you to all the union siblings who stood by the WGA during these 146 days. Looking forward to hearing the details soon. #WGAUnity"

What are the conditions of WGA's tentative deal with AMPTP? 

On Monday, September 25, WGA took to Twitter to confirm that it reached a tentative agreement with AMPTP.

"The WGA and AMPTP have reached a tentative agreement. This was made possible by the enduring solidarity of WGA members and extraordinary support of our union siblings who stood with us for over 146 days," the Guild wrote on X. 

It also mentioned that more details of the contract would be made available to the public "after contract language is finalized."

Despite the temporary deal, WGA mentioned that "no one is to return to work until specifically authorized," the Daily Mail reported. 

The new three-year contract can only take effect after being approved by members of the WGA, which consists of 11,500 people.

"So, as you have been patient with us before, we ask you to be patient again—one last time," the Guild wrote in its statement, per the publication.

The organization also shared a multi-step process and noted that it can finalize the agreement culminating with leadership votes tentatively on September 26.

"Once the Memorandum of Agreement with the AMPTP is complete, the Negotiating Committee will vote on whether to recommend the agreement and send it on to the WGAW Board and WGAE Council for approval," the statement mentioned. 

Shortly after, the Board and Council would vote to decide whether to authorize a contract ratification vote made by the membership.

If authorization is approved, the Board and Council would also vote to finalize whether the restraining order will be lifted and the strike will come to an end at a certain date and time.

This move would allow writers to return to work during the ratification vote but would not have an impact on their ability to make a final decision on contract approval.

After the process is followed, the Guild would hold meetings to inform members about the deal before they could vote on ratification.

The Guild asked writers to stay off work "until specifically authorized to by the Guild," and mentioned, "We are still on strike until then."

However, it also clarified that "we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing." 

The WGA strike began on May 2 after negotiations between the Guild and AMPTP ended in a deadlock.

As part of their demands, writers expressed concerns over unfair compensation and residuals rewarding writers for popular streaming shows and demanded an increase in the size of writers' rooms and a limitation in the use of artificial intelligence in the writing process. 

Nearly two months after the WGA went on strike, the SAG-AFTRA decided to stand in solidarity with the Guild.

While WGA's recent deal with AMPTP marks the beginning of the end of a months-long battle, the SAG-AFTRA actors' union continues to remain on strike.