MUMBAI: The Screen Actors Guild (Sag) in the US has announced that strike authorisation ballots will be mailed to paid-up members on 2 January and will be tabulated on 23 January.

A yes vote by 75 per cent of members voting is required to pass the measure, which would authorise Sag's national board of directors to call a strike, if and when the board determines it is necessary.

Sag national president Alan Rosenberg said, ”Sag members understand that their futures as professional actors are at stake and I believe that Sag members will evaluate the AMPTP’s June 30 offer, and vote to send us back to the table with the threat of a strike. A yes vote sends a strong message that we are serious about fending off rollbacks and getting what is fair for actors in new media. I am encouraged by the response of the capacity crowd at our Los Angeles town hall meeting Monday night."

Sag national executive director and chief negotiator, Doug Allen added, ”We want SAG members to have time to focus on this critical referendum, so we have decided to mail ballots the day after New Year's. We will continue our comprehensive education campaign and urge our members to vote yes on the strike authorization. I am confident that members around the country will empower our negotiating team with the leverage and strength of unified Screen Actors Guild members. Our objective remains to get a deal that Sag members will ratify- not to go on strike".