Writers to vote on whether to end strike

HOLLYWOOD, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The Writers Guild of America has issued instructions to its members on how they can vote on whether to end the strike against TV and film producers.

The WGA, which has been on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers since Nov. 5, reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP during the weekend.

WGA members were told they can vote Tuesday on whether to immediately end the strike or continue it until the contract ratification process is complete.

Members may vote in person regarding the strike at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, Calif., at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in New York or by proxy ballot.

"Remember: until the votes are counted, we are still on strike, although picket lines are suspended. We will announce the vote count later Tuesday night," Michael Winship, president of the WGA East, said Monday on the WGAE Web site.

Winship also said the Writers Guild East Council and the Writers Guild West Board have voted "unanimously to recommend the contract, and to submit it to the joint membership of the two guilds for ratification. The ratification vote will take place over the next couple of weeks by mail ballot and at a special membership meeting..."