Hollywood writers union asks members to authorize strike amid contract talks with studios

LOS ANGELES — Talks are resuming between the Hollywood writers union and the studios, with the threat of a strike looming that could damage the Southern California economy. Leaders of the Writers Guild of America are asking members to vote next week to authorize a strike after the current contract expires May 1. The last WGA strike lasted 100 days in 2007-08 and cost the SoCal economy an estimated $2 billion to $3 billion as film and television production shut down. The writers are seeking improvements in working conditions and pay increases, particularly for residuals and streaming content. A vote…