Both sides have refused to comment on progress of the talks at Writers Guild of America West headquarters since bargaining began Jan. 22. Many observers still expect a work stoppage once the current WGA contract expires May 2 due to massive gaps between the writers and the companies. But sources say negotiators have grown steadily more optimistic that they can hammer out a deal, although they caution that the major stumbling block will be convincing hardliners on the negotiating teams to agree to compromises. Key milestones came on Feb. 3, when the WGA agreed to continue past its original two-week deadline, and on Feb. 15, when both sides exchanged revamped proposals.
Companies contend they face shrinking overall profit margins despite increased revenues.
The agreements provide that the terms of the contracts run through the termination of the next minimum basic agreement rather than the current agreement's May 2 expiration. The next agreement would presumably expire in 2004 if the WGA signs a three-year deal following the current round of negotiations. WGA spokeswoman Cheryl Rhoden said the guild agreed to the lengthened contract expirations for the two shows in order to give union protection to what had previously been non-union shops.