Los Angeles — Hollywood can officially breathe a sigh of relief. On Friday, April 24, 2026, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced that its members have overwhelmingly ratified a new Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA) with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
In a surprisingly smooth process that stands in stark contrast to the historic 148-day strike of 2023, 90.38% (4,282 members) voted in favor of the new deal, while only 9.62% (456 members) voted against it.
The most notable aspect of this new agreement? It’s a four-year contract, running from May 2, 2026, through May 1, 2030. This is a rare departure from the traditional three-year cycle that has long dictated Hollywood’s labor negotiations.
What Did the Writers Gain?
The quick resolution, reached after just three weeks at the negotiating table, was driven by significant concessions and investments, particularly regarding the writers’ heavily strained health care plan.
“In the face of industry contraction and runaway healthcare cost inflation, writers were able to secure a contract that returns our Health Fund to a sustainable path and builds on gains from the 2023 strike,” said WGA West President Michele Mulroney.
Key highlights from the ratified 2026 contract include:
- Massive Health Fund Investments: The deal injects a projected $321 million into the WGA Health Fund over the four-year term, with $280 million of that coming directly from new employer-side contributions. It also includes an immediate 3.25% increase in the health contribution rate starting May 2.
- Wage Increases: Minimums will increase by 1.5% in the first year, followed by 3% annual increases in 2027, 2028, and 2029.
- AI Protections: Building on the 2023 strike’s momentum, the new deal requires studios to provide written notice to the Guild if they license writers’ work to train Generative AI systems, giving the WGA the right to discuss licensing and remuneration.
What’s Next for Hollywood?
The AMPTP issued a statement congratulating the WGA, noting that the deal “reflects a collaborative approach that supports both writers and the industry’s long-term stability.”
With the writers’ contract officially sealed, the industry’s focus now shifts to the other major guilds. The AMPTP is scheduled to resume contract negotiations with the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, on Monday, April 27, while talks with the Directors Guild of America (DGA) are slated to begin in May. Both the SAG-AFTRA and DGA contracts expire on June 30, 2026.
For now, the writers have secured a long-term period of labor peace, ensuring that the scripts for our favorite upcoming movies and series can continue to flow without interruption.
