Unionized movie and tv writers have voted overwhelmingly to present their leaders the authority to name a strike if a brand new contract settlement just isn’t reached with producers.
In an e-mail to members Monday, the negotiating committee of the Writers Guild of America mentioned almost 98% of the 9,218 votes had been solid to authorize the strike, with almost 79% of guild members voting.
“Our membership has spoken,” the e-mail mentioned. “You have expressed your collective strength, solidarity, and the demand for meaningful change in overwhelming numbers.”
The writers’ three-year contract expires May 1, and leaders might name for a walkout the next day, however might lengthen the deadline if the 2 sides are near a deal.
Issues in negotiations embrace pay, writers’ potential to work for various exhibits throughout downtime from different tasks, and, in response to Variety, using synthetic intelligence within the script course of.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which negotiates for studios, streaming providers and manufacturing corporations, mentioned in a press release Monday {that a} “strike authorization vote has always been part of the WGA’s plan, announced before the parties even exchanged proposals. Its inevitable ratification should come as no surprise to anyone.”
“Our goal is, and continues to be, to reach a fair and reasonable agreement,” the assertion mentioned.
The writers’ voted for the same strike authorization in almost the identical numbers in 2017, however a deal was reached earlier than a strike was referred to as. The guild final went on strike in 2007.
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