As news from all angles (including the above) has been saying an end to the strike is expected this week, WGA sent a joint letter to its members Sunday saying no deal has yet been done and picketing needs to continue.
“The facts: We are still in talks and do not yet have a contract,” wrote WGA West president Patric Verrone and WGA East president Michael Winship. “When and if a tentative agreement is reached, the first thing we will do is alert our membership with an e-mail message. Until then, please disregard rumors about either the existence of an agreement or its terms…Until we have reached an agreement with the AMPTP, it is essential that we continue to show our resolve, solidarity, and strength. Picketing will resume on Monday. Our leverage at the bargaining table is directly affected by your commitment to our cause. Please continue to show your support on the line.”
Nonetheless, stories continue to percolate that the two sides are close, but still need to agree on specific language of key provisions including what qualifies as “Internet promotion" (how much networks can run video clips on their websites before paying the writers).
The loose agreement—you guessed it—is modeled on the DGA’s recently signed contract which doubles residual payments for films and TV programming sold online; gives WGA jurisdiction for shows created for the web, and establishes a payment system for the ad-supported video streaming of shows. WGA dropped demands to unionize animated movies and unscripted/reality programming.
