Chicago TV Writers Could Strike CHICAGO, IL (wqub) - The union representing 50 CBS newswriters at W-B-B-M and C-B-S-2 here in Chicago have voted to authorize a strike. The employees are members of the Writers Guild of America.

About 300 C-B-S employees voted in 4 cities. Chicago Public Radio's Diantha Parker reports.

The authorization vote doesn't mean an automatic strike--just that members can declare a strike at any time. But WBBM TV newswriter Sue Brown says they'd rather bargain with CBS instead.

Union members have been without a contract since 2005. They object to the proposed pay raises, which are higher for national writers than for local ones.

They also fear CBS will consolidate stations. Sue Brown: And, you know, more than likely do away with half of those writers, which would more than likely be the unionized shop which would be us.

In a statement, CBS News called the strike vote unfortunate, and called the salary increases the union is rejecting "fair and reasonable."

I'm Diantha Parker...Chicago Public Radio.
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