Writers Vote To Authorize Strike

The Writers Guild of America announced last night that its members voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike authorization. According to the WGA, 90.3% of votes registered supported a strike. The vote also attracted the WGA’s highest turnout ever. The 5,507 votes eclipsed the previous record of 4,128 ballots cast during the 2001 contract negations.

The strong show of solidarity should empower the WGA in their ongoing negotiations with the AMPTP. The Guild’s main concerns this go round are in the areas of new media, reality, animation, and DVD residuals. So far, any discussions between the two parties appear to have been unproductive and contentious.

The writers’ current contract expires on October 31, and a strike could begin as early as November 1. If it happens, expect to see some very well written picket signs.

In a letter to guild members, WGA West president Patric Verrone reiterated that writers don’t want to strike, but that they have to have a contract that is commensurate with the financial successes of the industry. “When they get paid, we must get paid. It's just that simple.”

Photo by dvshorts via flickr