One of the key leaders in the Writers Guild of America’s (WGA) 2023 negotiations is urging studios and streamers to return to the bargaining table and find a solution to the ongoing labor standoff that has brought scripted film and TV production in the U.S. to a halt.
Chris Keyser, co-chair of the negotiating committee, delivered a passionate video message to both writers and major entertainment companies, emphasizing that writers are not the enemy but rather partners and valuable assets to the companies.
He pointed out that the current business model no longer works for the writers, and the companies should acknowledge this reality as the entire industry echoes the same sentiment. Keyser pointed to the fact that two unions are on strike against the companies for the first time since the Eisenhower era, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
In his message, Keyser called for vision and negotiation instead of a stalemate, emphasizing that this is not a war but an essential dialogue. He urged the companies to invest in a solution that benefits all parties involved, stressing that there are no winners or losers in this negotiation—just a need for a fair deal.
Keyser also highlighted the fierce competition among the companies represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), emphasizing the differing interests and business models among companies like Disney, Sony, Netflix, and Amazon. Despite this competition, he noted that the writers’ union roots for the success of all these companies. He pointed out that amid simultaneous strikes by writers and performers, the current situation could lead to severe consequences for the entertainment industry, impacting future broadcast seasons and movie schedules.
Keyser expressed confidence that the Hollywood companies will eventually come back to the writers’ union, either together or separately, recognizing the mutual need to find a resolution. He mentioned Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos’ background in a union family and responded to statements suggesting that the strike is designed to make union members lose their homes. Keyser asserted that the WGA’s leverage is growing every day during the strike and encouraged members to stay strong in the face of economic challenges imposed by the companies. Watch below:
REELated:
As of the video’s release, around 13 weeks into the writers’ ongoing strike, the WGA and the AMPTP have not resumed negotiations. WGA leaders believe that the onus is on the AMPTP to initiate the dialogue.
Keyser stressed that while companies may be fighting for financial gains, the writers are fighting for their survival and livelihood. He reassured members that the WGA is determined to protect their home, which is the writing profession, with unwavering bravery and determination. He firmly stated that the writers cannot be broken, and they will endure the struggle until a fair resolution is achieved.
One of the key leaders in the Writers Guild of America’s (WGA) 2023 negotiations is urging studios and streamers to return to the bargaining table and find a solution to the ongoing labor standoff that has brought scripted film and TV production in the U.S. to a halt.
Chris Keyser, co-chair of the negotiating committee, delivered a passionate video message to both writers and major entertainment companies, emphasizing that writers are not the enemy but rather partners and valuable assets to the companies. He pointed out that the current business model no longer works for the writers, and the companies should acknowledge this reality as the entire industry echoes the same sentiment. Keyser pointed to the fact that two unions are on strike against the companies for the first time since the Eisenhower era, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
In his message, Keyser called for vision and negotiation instead of a stalemate, emphasizing that this is not a war but an essential dialogue. He urged the companies to invest in a solution that benefits all parties involved, stressing that there are no winners or losers in this negotiation—just a need for a fair deal.
Keyser also highlighted the fierce competition among the companies represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), emphasizing the differing interests and business models among companies like Disney, Sony, Netflix, and Amazon. Despite this competition, he noted that the writers’ union roots for the success of all these companies. He pointed out that amid simultaneous strikes by writers and performers, the current situation could lead to severe consequences for the entertainment industry, impacting future broadcast seasons and movie schedules.
Keyser expressed confidence that the Hollywood companies will eventually come back to the writers’ union, either together or separately, recognizing the mutual need to find a resolution. He mentioned Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos’ background in a union family and responded to statements suggesting that the strike is designed to make union members lose their homes. Keyser asserted that the WGA’s leverage is growing every day during the strike and encouraged members to stay strong in the face of economic challenges imposed by the companies.
As of the video’s release, around 13 weeks into the writers’ ongoing strike, the WGA and the AMPTP have not resumed negotiations. WGA leaders believe that the onus is on the AMPTP to initiate the dialogue.
Keyser stressed that while companies may be fighting for financial gains, the writers are fighting for their survival and livelihood. He reassured members that the WGA is determined to protect their home, which is the writing profession, with unwavering bravery and determination. He firmly stated that the writers cannot be broken, and they will endure the struggle until a fair resolution is achieved.
