Producers Raise Pension Question in Strike; Writers Call It a ‘Gimmick’

Hollywood producers have told striking screen writers that contract agreements with about 95 independent producers could place future contributions to the writers’ pension fund in jeopardy, a spokesman for the producers said Sunday.

The announcement was called an “ad campaign gimmick” by a spokeswoman for the Writers Guild of America, whose members are scheduled to vote Wednesday on what the producers call their “final” contract offer.

Herb Steinberg, spokesman for the producers, said Nicholas Counter, chief negotiator for the 200-member producers’ alliance, sent a letter to the Producers-Writers Guild Pension Plan this weekend, noting that payments to the $150-million fund may be halted.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is “concerned whether the independent producers who have signed contracts with the Writers’ Guild can adequately fund their pension plan,” said Steinberg.

About 95 independent production companies have signed contracts that concede to the guild all the points that brought on the walkout, including disputes over foreign residuals, one-hour drama syndication residuals and creative rights.

Guild spokeswoman Cheryl Rhoden said any withdrawal from the pension plan would have to be negotiated with the union, whose 9,600 members have been on strike since March 7.

“Counter knew that before he sent the letter,” Rhoden said. “No question in our mind that the letter was sent for no other purpose than to frighten or intimidate guild members into voting for the latest offer.”

Steinberg said the letter should not be viewed as a threat against the guild or the independent producers.