Variety:  “The members of the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees have voted to approve a strike authorization, giving the union president the power to shut down film and TV production across the country.  The vote passed with 98.7 percent support, and 90 percent turnout — a resounding outcome that the union hopes will strengthen its bargaining position.

“Talks have stalled between the union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios. The unions have been negotiating since May on a new contract, and are seeking to address long-standing concerns, including long hours on set, streaming wage scales and residuals, and the stability of the pension and health funds.  ‘The members have spoken loud and clear,’ Matthew D. Loeb, the international president, said in a statement. ‘This vote is about the quality of life as well as the health and safety of those who work in the film and television industry. Our people have basic human needs like time for meal breaks, adequate sleep, and a weekend. For those at the bottom of the pay scale, they deserve nothing less than a living wage.’

“Loeb now has the authority to send 60,000 below-the-line workers to the picket lines. But first, the union is expected to seek further talks with the AMPTP. In the statement, Loeb said he had informed the AMPTP of the outcome on Monday morning.  ‘I hope that the studios will see and understand the resolve of our members,’ Loeb said. ‘The ball is in their court. If they want to avoid a strike, they will return to the bargaining table and make us a reasonable offer.’  The union believes that the authorization adds to its leverage in the negotiations. The timing of any further discussions remains unclear.”