Guild Asks For Strike Authorization

The Writers Guild of America asked its members for authorization to strike, Daily Variety reported on Tuesday. Guild leaders sent a message to its 13,000 members stating the authorization was necessary because the studios do not feel pressure “to conduct serious negotiations,” Variety reported. Talks between the Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers are scheduled to resume on Oct. 4. Alliance President Nick Counter was quoted in Variety as saying the Guild is intent on striking without seriously addressing its offer and pursuing “a reckless strategy” by misleading its membership about the Alliance’s proposals. The Guild contract expires Oct. 31. The two sides are at odds over residuals writers receive for use of their work in new media downloads, Internet streaming and home entertainment.