Writers Guild Votes for Strike

The Writers Guild of America East's and the Writers Guild of America West's contracts with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television producers expires on October 31st. So what comes next? In a vote representing more than 12,000 writers, 90.3% authorized a strike, demanding higher residual fees for films and television shows on DVD. They are also asking that pay schedules be set up for other digital outlets, such as the Internet and mobile phones.

Although networks have enough shows to carry them through the fall season, a strike next month would disrupt mid-season programs that begin airing in January. Also, several scripted television shows would be unable to air new episodes in the second half of the television season.

However, network executives say they have been preparing for a strike and that, should a walkout happen, they are prepared. The last Writer's Guild strike occurred in 1988.