Earlier today, the WGA president sent a letter to all of their members.
In summary, the letter states that the WGA have decided to enter into informal talks with the AMPTP in order to reach an agreement by which they can return to formal negotiations.
In addition, the letter asks its members to remain quiet to the press during this time. See below for a full copy of the letter:
“To our fellow members,
We have responded favorably to the invitation from the AMPTP to enter into informal talks that will help establish a reasonable basis for returning to negotiations. During this period, we have agreed to a complete news blackout. We are grateful for this opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion with industry leaders that we hope will lead to a contract. We ask that all members exercise restraint in their public statements during this critical period.
In order to make absolutely clear our commitment to bringing a speedy conclusion to negotiations, we have decided to withdraw our proposals on reality and animation. Our organizing efforts to achieve Guild representation in these genres for writers will continue. You will hear more about this in the next two weeks.
On another issue, the Writers Guild, West Board of Directors has voted not to picket the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Members of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) face many of the same issues concerning compensation in new media that we do. In the interest of advancing our goal of achieving a fair contract, the WGAW Board felt that this gesture should be made on behalf our brothers and sisters in AFM and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).
Best,
Patric M. Verrone
President, WGAW
Michael Winship
President, WGAE”
This letter gives more hope to Lost fans (and most of the viewing public of America!) that the WGA strike is nearing its long awaited end.