WGA Members OK New AMPTP Contract

The Writers Guild of America, East and West, representing writers in television, new media, broadcast news and film, said its members have voted overwhelmingly to approve a new, three-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The vote was 98.5% in favor, 1,175 out of 1,193 valid votes, said WGA. According to WGA, the contract, which covers May 2, 2014 through May 1, 2017, includes boosts to minimum compensation rates, more money for the guild's pension plan, new minimums for subscription VOD, increased residuals for ad-supported streaming, boosted minimum pay for hour basic cable shows, and a new provision limiting the options and exclusivity requirements on episodic TV show writers.