HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The Writers Guild of America moved swiftly yesterday to end their three-month-long walk-out as guild leaders voted unanimously to have members vote on ratifying a new contract.
“We have reached a historic agreement that covers new media for writers and guarantees our share in the future,” Writers’ Guild of America West President Patric M. Verrone said in a press conference Sunday afternoon at the Guild’s headquarters in Los Angeles. “This morning, based on the unanimous recommendation of the WGA negotiating committee, the WGA has called for a contract ratification vote by the membership.”
While the writers won’t be able to ratify the contract for several weeks, the membership will hold a vote Tuesday in an effort to end the strike, which began Nov. 5.
“I think what happened with the Golden Globes was instrumental in getting this deal,” said the WGA’s Chief Negotiator David Young. “That is what brought the CEO’s to the table. They realized that the creative community was united in this strike and that with out creative talent they can’t produce anything. It was a huge symbol.”
If everything goes according to plan, writers could be back on the job late Tuesday or early Wednesday this week.
The deal comes just in the nick of time, assuring that the Oscars will be able to move forward with their Feb. 24 broadcast.
