WGA to Seek Payment for AI Training on Scripts as Talks With Studios Set to Begin

Union will aim to ensure writers are compensated for derivative uses of their work, including AI training, as negotiations with AMPTP start next week.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 12:48am

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The Writers Guild of America is preparing to negotiate a new Minimum Basic Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, with compensation for the use of writers' work in AI training being a key issue. The WGA previously won protections against the direct replacement of writers by AI during the 2023 strike, but now seeks to be paid for the use of their scripts to train AI models. The union will also focus on shoring up the guild's health fund, which has faced deficits due to a decline in working writers.

Why it matters

The use of writers' work to train AI models is a growing concern for the WGA, as it represents a potential new revenue stream that writers want to ensure they are compensated for. The guild's ability to secure such protections could set an important precedent for how writers' intellectual property is valued in the age of AI. Additionally, the financial health of the WGA's health fund is crucial to supporting its members, making it a top priority in the upcoming negotiations.

The details

The WGA will seek to affirm the principle that writers should be paid for derivative uses of their work, including AI training. In the last round of negotiations in 2023, the AMPTP refused to accept any limitations on the use of scripts to train AI models, which the writers' union now aims to change. The guild is also focused on increasing the AMPTP's contributions to the WGA health fund, which has faced deficits due to a decline in working writers.

  • The WGA and AMPTP negotiations are set to begin next week.
  • The WGA staff union is currently on strike and picketing outside WGA West headquarters.

The players

Writers Guild of America (WGA)

The labor union representing film, television, and digital media writers in the United States.

Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)

The trade association representing major film and television production companies in the United States.

John August

Co-chair of the WGA Negotiating Committee.

Danielle Sanchez Witzel

Co-chair of the WGA Negotiating Committee.

Michele Mulroney

President of the WGA West.

Ellen Stutzman

Chief negotiator for the WGA.

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What they’re saying

“There has to be some payment for training and AI outputs based on our work.”

— John August, Co-chair of the WGA Negotiating Committee

“We've been very open that this will be a headline issue, and that we will be asking the companies to increase their contributions and put a significant amount of money into our health fund.”

— Michele Mulroney, President of WGA West

“The AMPTP looks forward to engaging in a constructive and collaborative bargaining process with the WGA. Through continued good-faith dialogue, we are confident we can reach balanced solutions that support talented writers while sustaining the long-term success and stability of our industry and its workforce.”

— AMPTP Spokesperson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This negotiation highlights the ongoing tensions between writers and studios over the use of writers' work in emerging technologies like AI, as well as the financial challenges facing the WGA's health fund. The outcome could set important precedents for how writers are compensated in the digital age.