The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is in contract negotiations with Hollywood's top companies ahead of the May 1 expiration date of its current contract. Union leaders, including union president Michele Mulroney and co-chairs John August and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, have made clear they are willing to play a harder stance in this year's negotiations. They are focusing on shoring up the union's health plan, which is in the red and is facing depletion of reserves if conditions don't change soon. MulrONEY emphasized the importance of securing this benefit for the union and the need for significant contributions to the industry. Negotiators are also planning on remunerating writers for licensing their work to AI companies, expanding the union’s success streaming bonus, extending “second step” screenplay payments to more writers and increasing residuals.