Writers: No other way
Scribes reluctant but ready to strike
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The answer is a qualified yes from rank-and-file Writers Guild of America members. They have no particular desire to strike, particularly in the worsening economic climate, but also concede there's no other way to get the companies to bend.
"There's a sense of resignation that we are going to have to go out because the companies are being intransigent," one declared. "I am quite ready to walk the picket line."
That sentiment could change in the next few weeks if studios and nets come off their hardline stance. But the current outlook among typical WGA members appears unchanged from a month ago when a Los Angeles town hall meeting elicited strong support for the Guild's bargaining positions; WGA West secretary-treasurer Michael Mahern asserted that a strike authorization vote would have received over 90% backing from among those in attendance.
With only 16 days left until contract expiration and negotiations re-launching Tuesday, writers describe themselves as fatalistic. They are worried over the CEOs' insistence that a deal can't be made by meeting in the middle of the $100 million gap between current proposals.
Compromise good
"I think writers would be willing to compromise and meet the companies halfway, but it's our sense that they want us to come nine-tenths of the way," another member said.
WGA members aren't particularly bothered by doomsday assertions by CEOs that writers' demands will bankrupt the biz. "We're used to executives stretching the truth," one said.
Instead, writers are troubled by the wide array of unsettled issues, headed by the companies' demand for a "double burst" 75% discount on residuals for TV programs rerun within 14 days. The WGA contends the proposal amounts to a $31.2 million rollback over three years.
Other problem areas include no residuals increases in video/DVD and basic cable; no Internet jurisdiction; a $20 million gap in foreign TV residuals proposals; and the refusal to bring Fox network residuals up to the Big Three's level.
Choppy waters
Outlook for negotiations remains uncertain amid continued speculation that the talks will go past the May 2 contract expiration. Going on strike would involve several steps, starting with the WGA's negotiating committee receiving a final offer, followed by a joint vote by the WGA West board of directors and WGA East council jointly on whether to submit the contract to a membership vote.
If the board and council reject the offer, they likely also would recommend a strike be authorized. Members will decide first whether to ratify the offer and, if the board and council have recommended against ratification, members then would vote on a strike authorization.
Once a strike has been authorized, the board and council can set a strike date although the negotiating committee can also return to talks.
Prior to the last WGA strike in 1988, WGA members rejected the companies' offer by a 2,335-76 vote and authorized a strike by 2,317-112. WGA leaders received 89% backing last fall for the 42-item "pattern of demands" from which the guild's first offer was derived.
