Writers Guild of America Ratifies Four-Year Contract with Studios, Overhauling Health Benefits and Updating AI Provisions

The WGA approved a Minimum Basic Agreement for May 2 2026–May 1 2030. The pact injects $321 million into the health fund—$280 million new contributions—to offset deficits that averaged $50 million annually amid industry contraction and rising healthcare costs. Writers will pay individual premiums, higher deductibles and out-of-pocket caps, and lose the “extended coverage points” safety net. Minimum payments rise 10.5 % and the streaming success-bonus climbs from 50 % to 75 % of a writer’s base residual. Staffing rules from the 2023 agreement stay unchanged. Studios will notify the union and allow bargaining if scripts train commercial generative AI, but they made no payment commitment.

Hollywood Reporter

The contract passed with 90.38 % support (4,282 yes, 456 no). It adds $321 million to the health fund, $280 million new, introduces $75-monthly PPO premiums (or $25), raises minimum payments 10.5 % and lifts the streaming success-bonus to 75 % of base residual (up from 50 %).

Hollywood Reporter

Mulroney said the deal “returns our Health Fund to a sustainable path” and builds on strike gains. Committee co-chairs Sanchez-Witzel and August, with chief negotiator Stutzman, praised the health-plan infusion and staffing protections. AMPTP President Hessinger called it a “collaborative approach” that supports long-term stability and noted historic investments in health, residuals and wages.

Hollywood Reporter

The Committee of Black Writers emailed a “no” vote, saying the new premiums and higher cost-sharing “will hurt more writers than it will help,” and warned of a disproportionate impact on under-represented members.

Hollywood Reporter

• “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,” — Michele Mulroney, WGA West President

Variety Magazine

• “Agreeing to a four-year deal this time allowed us to get more and new funding for the health plan than we’ve actually ever gotten before,” — Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, WGA Negotiating Committee Co-Chair

Hollywood Reporter

• “As it stands now, this deal will hurt more writers than it will help,” — Committee of Black Writers, email to members

Hollywood Reporter

• “ Popular on Variety The AMPTP said in a statement, “The AMPTP congratulates the WGA on the ratification of its new contract, which includes historic investments in the writers’ health plan, meaningful improvements in residuals and wages, and important safeguards for their work.” — AMPTP spokesperson

Variety Magazine

Sources note studios will notify the union and permit bargaining over AI training use, yet have not pledged compensation, leaving the financial impact uncertain.

Hollywood Reporter

The AMPTP will resume talks with SAG-AFTRA on May 6, and the Directors Guild of America meets studios on May 11. Both unions will watch the WGA deal while negotiating their own contracts.

Variety Magazine