The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is a union that represents writers in the United States. The WGA negotiates contracts with television and movie studios on behalf of its members, which include screenwriters, TV writers, and playwrights. The WGA is currently in the midst of negotiating a new agreement with the major television studios.

The current agreement between the WGA and the television studios expires on May 1, 2020. Negotiations for a new agreement began in March 2020, but were temporarily put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Negotiations have since resumed, but the parties have yet to reach a new agreement.

One of the key issues being negotiated is compensation for writers working on TV shows that are streamed on online platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Currently, writers on these shows are paid less than writers on traditional network TV shows. The WGA is seeking to close this pay gap and ensure that all writers are fairly compensated for their work, regardless of the platform.

Another issue being negotiated is writers’ healthcare benefits. The WGA is calling for an increase in funding for its healthcare plan, which is currently facing a deficit.

The negotiations for the new WGA TV agreement are being closely watched by writers and industry professionals alike. A strike by WGA members could potentially disrupt the television industry and result in the delay or cancellation of many popular TV shows.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the WGA and the television studios are working to reach a new agreement that is fair to writers and ensures the continued success of the television industry. As negotiations continue, it is important for all parties to remain committed to finding a mutually beneficial solution that supports both the creative talent and business needs of the industry.