Sun Jan 18 06:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Hollywood Unions Brace for Contentious 2026 Negotiations Amid Industry Turmoil
The Story:
Hollywood’s labor unions are preparing for contract negotiations in 2026, three years after the disruptive dual strikes by writers and actors. The industry faces a significantly changed landscape, marked by job losses, corporate consolidation, and the looming threat of artificial intelligence. While some believe the industry’s weakened state will prevent aggressive negotiations, others predict a major showdown, particularly concerning AI protections, which could lead to further work stoppages.
Key Points:
- SAG-AFTRA contract negotiations begin February 9, the WGA on March 16, and the DGA on May 11.
- Los Angeles has experienced a 17% dip in entertainment employment and 25% fewer jobs in entertainment in 2025 compared to three years prior.
- Union health plans, including the WGA’s (down $122 million) and DGA’s (down $43 million), have suffered significant losses in 2023 and 2024 fiscal years.
- AI is a central concern, especially for SAG-AFTRA, with efforts to make synthetic performers as expensive as human actors.
- The AMPTP is considering longer, five-year contracts, a departure from the traditional three-year agreements.
Key Takeaways:
- The Hollywood unions are entering a period of high-stakes negotiations, potentially impacting the future of the entertainment industry.
- Economic pressures and technological advancements, particularly AI, are driving forces behind the upcoming labor disputes.
- Health care funding remains a critical point of contention, with unions seeking increased employer contributions to stabilize their plans.
- The industry’s labor stability is uncertain, with the possibility of strikes looming if negotiations fail.
- The willingness of unions to compromise versus taking a hardline stance on key issues like AI and free work will dictate the outcome of these negotiations.
First Piper 