Writer Union Committee Votes to Strike

The Writers Guild of America's negotiating committee voted on Thursday (Nov. 1) night in favor of going on strike after failing to come to terms on a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers. The writers' last contract expired midnight Wednesday. A final decision could come as early as today during meetings of the WGA West board and the WGA East Council. There has been no specification as to when the strike would begin, but most insiders predict Monday as the starting day. The effect of a strike would be felt almost immediately on late night television, which would probably go dark. Other scripted shows would feel the effects in the next few weeks, possibly eliminating back nine orders and ending some shows' seasons by the end of the year or shortly thereafter. The outcome of the negotiations will likely cause ripple effects within the Directors Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild, both of which will be negotiating their own contracts in coming months. (Variety)