Unionized film and television writers have voted overwhelmingly to give their leaders the authority to call a strike if they鈥檙e unable to reach an agreement on a new contract.

In an email to members Monday, the negotiating committee of the Writers Guild of America said nearly 98% of the 9,218 votes were cast to authorize the strike, with nearly 79% of guild members voting. The guild is currently negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on a deal aimed at addressing pay and other changes brought on by the dominance of streaming services.

鈥淥ur membership has spoken,鈥� the email said. 鈥淵ou have expressed your collective strength, solidarity, and the demand for meaningful change in overwhelming numbers.鈥�

The writers鈥� three-year contract expires May 1, and leaders could call for a walkout the following day, but could extend the deadline if the two sides are close to a deal.

Issues in negotiations include pay, writers鈥� ability to work for different shows during downtime from other projects, and, according to , the use of artificial intelligence in the script process.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which negotiates for studios, streaming services and production companies, said in a statement Monday that a 鈥渟trike authorization vote has always been part of the WGA鈥檚 plan, announced before the parties even exchanged proposals. Its inevitable ratification should come as no surprise to anyone.鈥�

鈥淥ur goal is, and continues to be, to reach a fair and reasonable agreement,鈥� the statement said.

The writers鈥� voted for a similar strike authorization in nearly the same numbers in 2017, but a deal was reached before a strike was called. The guild last went on strike in 2007.

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