Some soap writers heading back to work

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Several soap opera writers are preparing to cross Writers Guild of America picket lines in a bid to keep their jobs, Variety.com reported Tuesday.

With ratings for day-time soaps plummeting, the fear is that some shows are heading for the chopping block and a long interruption in the production of a series could signal its end.

A writer-producer on "The Young and the Restless" has reportedly told the WGA he plans to surrender his membership to the guild and withhold the dues spent on political activities so he can write during the strike.

Sources told the trade paper two other "Y&R" writers also opted for this "financial core" status, while another is considering it.

A "Days of Our Lives" writer is said to be mulling the idea.

The WGA declined to comment Monday on whether any members have filed for financial core status.

"This is an internal matter that we choose not to discuss," guild spokesman Gregg Mitchell told Variety.

So far, there have been no reports of writers on prime-time or late-night series crossing picket lines and several show-runners remain standing with the WGA despite studio threats to hold them in breach of contract.