Hollywood actors and studios tentatively agreed Wednesday to end a months-long strike that has crippled the entertainment sector, delayed hundreds of popular series and films, and cost the US economy billions of dollars.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) ended its 118-day strike after striking an agreement with companies including Disney and Netflix on a new contract that included better pay and protections against the use of artificial intelligence.
The announcement clears the way for performers to return to film sets, the end of picket lines outside studios, and the resumption of thousands of other jobs in the entertainment industry.
“In a unanimous vote this afternoon, the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Committee approved a tentative agreement… bringing an end to the 118-day strike,” a spokeswoman said in a statement to AFP.
Negotiators said in a statement to union members that the contract was worth more than $1 billion and would allow members to “build sustainable careers.”
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios, said it was “pleased” with the agreement and announced a “brand new residual for streaming programs.” Residuals are long-term payouts for shows that have been released.
The agreement still needs to be approved by the union’s board of directors and members. The procedure could take several weeks, but the accord is widely likely to be approved.
President Joe Biden praised the agreement, saying it demonstrated successful collective bargaining and good faith collaboration between labor and management.
According to Biden, the outcome “allows our entertainment industry to continue telling the stories of America.”