The DGA often begins its negotiations many months in advance of the expiration of its contracts.
The last time the WGA went first, back in 2007, a 100-day writers strike ensued.
Negotiations concluded witha deal on March 4, just before the Covid pandemic took hold.
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Only 87 members voted against it, compared with 4,068 who approved it.
The contract again wasratified by an overwhelming marginon January 25, 2017.
Only 30 members cast no votes.
WGA
Roughly 140,000 members were mailed ballots; 15.3% voted.
SAG-AFTRA started its talks that year on May 5, andreached a deal on July 4.
The contract wasratifiedAugust 22 by a vote of 92.1% to 7.9%.
The DGA was up next.
The WGA finished the cycle with negotiations that began on March 3, 2011.
After months of bargaining, an impasse was reached, and a strike began on November 5.
SAG and AFTRA merged in 2012.
