Officials of the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE), Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have been meeting informally since Jan. 24, the first meetings between the two sides since the producers walked out of negotiations in December.

In a joint letter to members, WGAE President Michael Winship and WGAW President Patric Verrone said, "The facts: We are still in talks and do not yet have a contract. When and if a tentative agreement is reached, the first thing we will do is alert our membership with an e-mail message. Until then, please disregard rumors about either the existence of an agreement or its terms.

"Until we have reached an agreement with the AMPTP, it is essential that we continue to show our resolve, solidarity, and strength."

Strikers resumed picketing on both coasts this week. A major rally in support of the strikers is planned for Feb. 8 in New York. Members of the Writers Guild went on strike Nov. 5, seeking a new contract that will give them a fair share of the revenues from online and DVD distribution of the shows they create.

Meanwhile, several independent New York City film companies again are producing films after reaching interim agreements with the Writers Guild. Agreements have been signed with GreeneStreet Films, Killer Films, Open City Films and the film producer, This is that.

Reprinted from the AFL-CIO news blog, http://blog.aflcio.org