WGA members overwhelmingly ratify new deal with Hollywood studios

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Members of the Writers Guild of America overwhelmingly ratified a new labor contract with Hollywood studios, the union announced Monday, closing the book on a strike that helped bring film and TV production to a halt.

Of the 8,525 votes cast, 99% of WGA members voted in favor, union leaders said in a statement to members.

The term of the new agreement runs through May 1, 2026.

"Through solidarity and determination, we have ratified a contract with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of our combined membership," WGA West President Meredith Stiehm said. "Together we were able to accomplish what many said was impossible only six months ago."

RELATED: 'Drew Barrymore Show' writers decline to return post-writers' strike

Writers for "The Drew Barrymore Show" have reportedly declined to return, a development that comes after the host was criticized for announcing a return to production amid the WGA strike.

The announcement comes about two weeks after the WGA strike came to an end. Writers had been on strike for nearly five months.

Meanwhile, negotiations continue between the studios and the actors union, SAG-AFTRA. Actors have been on the picket lines since mid-July.

WGA East president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen urged the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to come to a fair agreement with striking actors.

"Now it's time for the AMPTP to put the rest of the town back to work by negotiating a fair contract with our SAG-AFTRA siblings, who have supported writers throughout our negotiations," Cullen said. "Until the studios make a deal that addresses the needs of performers, WGA members will be on the picket lines, walking side-by-side with SAG-AFTRA in solidarity."

City News Service contributed to this report.