Writers Will Vote To Ratify Contract

a writer's perspective

So now that the writers have voted overwhelmingly to end the strike, what next? Well, now we’re in the midst of the contract ratification process.

Last week, interested writers were asked to provide the WGA with “camera ready” statements for or against the new contract. Over the next few days, guild members will be receiving ballots along with the pro and con statements, and will have the opportunity to vote as to whether or not to accept the terms.

Many writers went back to work last Wednesday. Many more began looking for work. The threat of a spec script surplus is far from a reality. If the other writers out there are anything like me, then there are a lot of spec scenes out there. (I am about 18 pages shy of having a good 24 page sample) Some writers even spent a lot of time writing about what they weren’t writing.

While most of the producers and the writers are putting aside their differences and getting back to work, NBC is trying it’s best to remind you that they are still douchebags. Deadline Hollywood Daily reported last week that NBC is threatening to sue the WGA over the Golden Globes. I guess it hurts them to think about the fact that they lost more revenue than it would have ever cost them to give the writers everything they were asking for.

WGA members have until next Monday to turn in their ballots. It’s pretty much a given that the contract will be ratified, and the labor dispute will be officially over.

I mean, at this point, the contract being shot down would be like the New York Giants beating the New England Patriots in the Superbowl or something.

photo of Strike Yearbook by Heath Biter/LAist