[1] On January 16, 1960, citing “a consistently uncompromising attitude on the part of producers,” WGA president Curtis Kenyon, a former screenwriter now toiling in television, called a “two-pronged” strike against both film and television production.
Among the demands: residuals “in perpetuity” and not merely for six reruns; a cut of the profit stream from foreign distribution; and more equitable working practices, particularly concerning speculative, or “spec,” writing.
[2] The strike ended with improved rights and pensions for screenwriters.
[1][3][4] One outcome of the strike was that 5% of the net studio earnings from television airings of pre-1960 films would be contributed to pensions, healthcare, and other funds that helped writers.
[1] The 1960 Screen Actors Guild strike also occurred at the same time on March 7, 1960, as part of the broader labor dispute.