When the Strikes Began: SAG-AFTRA and WGA Start Dates
The widespread labor actions led by SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America in 2023 began on July 14, when WGA walked out after their contract expired without a deal. SAG-AFTRA followed on July 17, making mid-July 2023 the period when both unions were actively striking.
Primary Grievances Behind the 2023 Work Stoppages
Both guilds centered negotiations on artificial intelligence safeguards, residual payments for streaming and digital reuse, and minimum staffing requirements for writers. For actors, core issues included better streaming residuals, transparency in AI scanning of performances, and caps on how many episodes could be assigned to below-the-line staffing deals.
Key Negotiations and Tentative Agreements
WGA reached a tentative agreement on September 24, 2023, ratified on October 9, 2023. SAG-AFTRA announced a tentative agreement on November 8, 2023, ratified on November 7, 2023 (members) and November 8, 2023 (official ratification), ending the dual strikes after roughly four months.
Landmark Items Secured in Both Agreements
- AI-related protections and disclosure requirements for scans of performers’ work
- Increased streaming residuals and revenue pools tied to subscriber metrics
- Wage increases tied to inflation and minimums for high-cost budget shows
Strike Durations and Notable Dates at a Glance
| Union | Strike Start | Tentative Agreement | Ratification | Strike Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WGA | May 2, 2023 | September 24, 2023 | October 9, 2023 | 160 days (4 months, 7 days) |
| SAG-AFTRA | July 14, 2023 (official), solidified July 17 | November 8, 2023 | November 7–8, 2023 | 117 days (3 months, 3 weeks) |
Immediate Industry Changes After the Agreements
Production timelines slowed during the walkout, with many series and films delayed or entering short-term hiatus. Studios accelerated discussions around AI usage in writing rooms and casting, and began updating contracts to reflect new residual structures and AI disclosure protocols.
Long-Term Implications for Writers and Actors
The 2023 strikes established baseline expectations that future agreements must address AI, streaming economics, and staffing continuity. For writers, clearer rules around AI assistance and residuals for back-end payments emerged. For actors, transparency in how digital replicas are used and the ability to veto unauthorized digital replicas became central pillars, shaping how content is produced and compensated through 2026 and beyond.