The Writers’ Guild of America has voted yes to authorizing a strike if the guild’s current negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers doesn’t resolve by the May 1 deadline.
“Dear Colleague– The results of our strike authorization vote are now in. 96.3% of you have voted YES,” the WGA said in a letter to members. “6,310 ballots were cast. 67.5% of eligible WGA members voted, a historic turnout.”
“We thank you for your resolve and your faith in us as your representatives,” the WGA letter continued. “We are determined to achieve a fair contract. Talks will resume tomorrow.”
The guild had been negotiating a new contract for film and TV writers with AMPTP, but those talks broke down toward the end of last month. The WGA’s negotiating committee called for a strike authorization vote March 24, and talks were put on hold again after a two-week hiatus as WGA members voted last week.
In a statement issued shortly after WGA members voted to authorize a strike, AMPTP said it is “committed to reaching a deal,” and urged guild members to remember the impact of the 100-day 2007 Writers strike.
“The Companies are committed to reaching a deal at the bargaining table that keeps the industry working.
“The 2007 Writers Strike hurt everyone. Writers lost more than $287 million in compensation that was never recovered, deals were cancelled, and many writers took out strike loans to make ends meet.
“We remain focused on our objective of reaching a deal with the WGA at the bargaining table when the Guild returns on April 25th.”
A strike would begin on May 2, and would have an immediate effect on late-night talk shows and “Saturday Night Live,” which is set to return with a new episode on May 6.