WGA Sets Strike Authorization Vote to Begin April 11

variety.com:

Jennifer Maas TV Business Writer The Writers Guild of America has set a strike authorization vote to begin on April 11. While this marks the first step toward a potential writers strike, with this process requiring a certain amount of notification for members and time to take the vote, a work stoppage would not actually be able to begin until the current contract expires May 1.

The WGA began contract talks with Hollywood’s largest employers on March 20. The sides were expected to take a two-week break starting today, but industry sources say there is likely to be some communication this week between guild negotiatators and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

The WGA had been expected to call for a strike authorization vote, which is a necessary layer of approval from members before guild leaders can all for a widespread strike.

According to the guild’s charter, members need a certain amount of notice that a strike authorization vote is to be called. Online voting will be open to eligible WGA members from 8:30 p.m.