The WGA 2007 Strike was a labor dispute involving the Writers Guild of America that lasted 100 days, beginning on November 5, 2007, and ending on February 12, 2008. It centered on issues of compensation for writers in the digital media landscape, including internet streaming and DVD sales, ultimately leading to significant changes in how writers are compensated and how agreements are structured within the industry.
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The strike involved around 12,000 members of the Writers Guild of America and had a significant impact on television production, causing many shows to halt production or air reruns.
Key issues included demands for better compensation from new media revenues, particularly related to internet distribution and DVD sales.
The strike ended with a new three-year contract that included provisions for digital content and improved residuals for writers.
During the strike, many television shows were forced to rely on reality programming or reruns due to the absence of scripted content.
The WGA 2007 Strike highlighted the growing importance of digital media and set a precedent for future negotiations regarding writer compensation in an evolving entertainment landscape.
Review Questions
What were the main issues that led to the WGA 2007 Strike and how did they reflect broader changes in the entertainment industry?
The main issues that led to the WGA 2007 Strike included demands for better compensation related to new media revenues such as internet streaming and DVD sales. This reflected broader changes in the entertainment industry as digital platforms began to dominate content distribution. Writers sought to ensure that their compensation kept pace with these developments, highlighting the need for updated contracts that acknowledged the changing landscape of how content is consumed.
How did the resolution of the WGA 2007 Strike influence future labor negotiations within the entertainment industry?
The resolution of the WGA 2007 Strike resulted in a new contract that included provisions for digital content and better residuals for writers, setting a standard for future negotiations. This established a framework for how writers would be compensated in relation to digital platforms, influencing other unions and guilds in their own negotiations. The strike underscored the importance of adapting labor agreements to address emerging technologies and changing market dynamics.
Evaluate the long-term impact of the WGA 2007 Strike on writers' rights and industry practices regarding digital media compensation.
The long-term impact of the WGA 2007 Strike has been significant in shaping writers' rights and industry practices regarding digital media compensation. By securing better residuals and clearer guidelines on digital content, the strike empowered writers to advocate for their rights in a rapidly evolving industry. The precedent set during this labor dispute has continued to influence negotiations and policies around compensation as digital distribution becomes increasingly vital to content creation and consumption.
Related terms
Writers Guild of America (WGA): The WGA is a labor union representing writers in the film, television, and new media industries, advocating for their rights and fair compensation.
Residuals are payments made to writers for the reuse of their work, such as in syndication or on streaming platforms, which became a central issue during the strike.
Collective Bargaining: Collective bargaining is the process by which unions negotiate contracts with employers regarding wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.