WGA Members Vote Overwhelmingly To Authorize A Strike If No Deal By May 1

deadline.com:

WGA members have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. The vote, which was approved by 97% of the eligible voting members, authorizes the WGA West Board and the WGA East Council to call a strike if a fair deal for a new film and TV contract isn’t reached by May 1, when the current pact expires.

The vote was: 9,020 (97.85%) in favor and 198 (2.15%) opposed. Total ballots cast was 9,218 (78.79% of eligible WGA members), setting new record for both participation and the percentage of support in a strike authorization vote. “Our membership has spoken,” the WGA Negotiating Committee told guild members. “You have expressed your collective strength, solidarity, and the demand for meaningful change in overwhelming numbers.

Armed with this demonstration of unity and resolve, we will continue to work at the negotiating table to achieve a fair contract for all writers.” Bargaining for a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which began March 20, is now expected to kick into high gear as the deadline for a deal draws near.

When balloting began last week, the guild said, “A vote to authorize a strike, particularly by a wide margin, gives the Negotiating Committee leverage to make the best deal possible, and entrusts leadership with the power to declare a strike after contract expiration, if needed.” At that time, the guild said: “After several weeks at the bargaining table, [the studios] have failed to offer meaningful responses on the core economic issues in any of the WGA’s primary work areas — screen, episodic television and comedy-variety.