The more than 5,000 members of the Writers Guild of America cast votes to see if they would authorize its leaders to strike, and they overwhelmingly voted for it, with 90 percent in favor.
The existing contract, which ends at the end of October, doesn't include compensation satisfactory to the Guild for DVD and digital sales. Any time after the contract expires, a strike can be initiated, according to the vote.
"Writers do not want to strike, but they are resolute and prepared to take strong, united action to defend our interests," guild President Patric Verrone said in a news release. "What we must have is a contract that gives us the ability to keep up with the financial success of this ever-expanding global industry."
Most of this is the result of technological advancements and global business growing at a fast rate. The existing contract didn't adequately deal with the issues, at least from the Guild's perspective.
Nick Counter, president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which has been negotiating with the Guild since July, said in a press release, "Our focus is on negotiating a reasonable agreement with the WGA."
Studios and TV networks have increased the speed of filming movies and TV shows while building up its stock of scripts in case a strike is called.
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