Writers Meet to Vote to End Strike

It won't be business as usual on Monday... but maybe Tuesday

By: Brad Brevet
Published: Sunday, February 10th 2008 at 10:08 PM

Well, the writers' strike isn't officially over just yet. Beginning this morning the WGA members met to formally recommend the new contract agreement between the striking writers and the AMPTP for ratification, and to approve a special 48-hour vote among members about whether to end the strike. This all came as a bit of a surprise considering the expectation that the WGA’s governing bodies would vote on a back-to-work order that could take effect on Monday. Of course, a 48-hour vote would imply a back-to-work order this Tuesday at which time writers would resume work immediately on TV shows and film projects left in limbo when the WGA strike began on Nov. 5.

If you are wondering what will happen don't worry too much. The deal offered to the meeting of more than 3,500 WGA members on Saturday was welcomed with support and adulation for WGA West prexy Patric Verrone and WGA West exec director David Young.

The Variety report insists that there was virtually no dissent or harsh criticism of the deal terms raised. However, one of the most disliked elements of the deal is in the area of web streaming, where the majors have a 17-day window (or 24 days for first-year programs) of free usage before residual fees kick in.

Young was said to have explained to members that the major congloms refused to budge on the time frame out of concern about declining TV ratings and the need to aggregate auds any way they can for pricey primetime shows.

For quotes and more details on the reaction click here, and stay tuned as we will be sure to bring you official word once the strike is actually over.

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