WGA authorized to call CBS News strike

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- CBS News employees represented by the Writers Guild of America have voted to back its strike authorization with 81 percent support, Variety.com said Monday.

The vote authorizes the WGA to call a strike at any time.

The WGA-CBS pact affects news writers, editors, desk assistants, production assistants, graphic artists, promotion writers and researchers in New York, Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles. They have been working without a new contract for 2 1/2 years.

The last round of negotiations took place more than a year ago, the trade paper said.

"Our members at CBS News consistently have demonstrated their hard work and commitment to quality journalism, but have had their dedication and diligence rebuffed by management's refusal to negotiate a fair, respectful contract," said Michael Winship, president of the WGA East. "By this powerful vote and other actions they have taken, Writers Guild members are sending their CBS bosses an irrefutable message of solidarity: We will do whatever it takes to get what we have earned and deserve."