More than 90% of the Writers Guild of America's voting members have opted to approve a strike. This means that the WGA can, and may, call a strike at any time. Link to a Hollywood Reporter item.
It's well-understood that such a move would have a major impact on conventional entertainment productions — movies and television. But the strike rules contain clauses that would also affect writers working on (or pitching, or negotiating) projects for the web or mobile platforms. The guild wants more pay for content distributed in "new" media.
The Rules prohibit writing services performed for a struck company in connection with new programming intended for initial viewing on non-traditional media (such as the Internet and cellular telephones), and the option or sale of literary material for that purpose.
Link to full text of WGA strike rules. I don't know what everyone's so upset about. A labor strike would ensure more quality reality programming on TV, and everyone knows that is good for America. Baby Borrowers, Rock Star INXS, and Fat March FTW!!! Come to think of it, I might just go pitch a show called "America's Amazing Top Fat Kid's Model Ultimate Race Nation Not to Wear Dance."
(Thanks, Gus!).
Speaking of labor strikes and mobile devices, some NYC cabbies are now on strike in part because they're pissed about location-tracking GPS units. Link.
