Writers strike may wrap by week's end if union leaders approve terms

February 3, 2008

Los Angeles, CA – The Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers reportedly resolved key contract items Saturday, outlining a deal covering compensation for internet-distributed work, among other terms.

Monday, writers guild negotiators David Young, Patrick M. Verrone and John F. Bowman are expected to brief the WGA's 17-member negotiating committee and its board on the proposed agreement. A final contract may be presented to WGA officials by the end of the week, the Los Angeles Times reports, ending the 3-month-old strike upon approval.

Details still being hammered
out include differentiating online shows from online promotions, and to what extent such material may run online before writers are due payment.

Industry members and observers say a strike's end this week ensures the glam will go on with a traditional Oscars broadcast on Feb. 24, plus salvage pilot season to some degree and the fall season.