WGA Ratifies New Studio Contract

LOS ANGELES , Calif – The Writers Guild of America has nearly unanimously ratified its new contract with the major studios and producers, with the union announcing today that the vote totals were 3,617 'yes' votes and only 30 'no' votes. The turnout was relatively low, considering there were 9,441 eligible voters.

That 38 percent turnout was well below the 67.5 percent or 6,310 returned ballots for the guild’s strike authorization vote last month.

The new contract includes strengthening the solvency of the union’s health plan, better compensation for writers on short seasons, increased residuals for made-for-pay-TV programs as well as programs made for high-budget SVOD, increasing the limits on options and exclusivity, as well as a provision that guarantees parental leave.