News writers for CBS gave approval to strike after working more than 2 & #733; years without a contract. Of the 300 employees casting ballots in last week’s election, 81 percent backed a work stoppage, the Los Angeles Times reported. The writers, editors, news assistants, graphic artists and other employees represented by the Writers Guild of America have not negotiated with CBS since January. The employees work in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington. The network owns KCBS and KCAL in Studio City. The WGA seeks a 3 percent raise for its members, while CBS countered with a 3 percent raise for television and network radio employees and a 2% hike for local radio employees, the Times said.
