Faction May Seek Shake-up At Sag

But the proposed referendum has faced mounting opposition within the union, including from New York board members who this month called on the union to scrap the vote, arguing that it was ill-timed in light of the sour economy. The recommendation won a significant boost from more than 130 high-profile actors, including Tom Hanks, George Clooney and Sally Field. Other actors, including Martin Sheen, Ed Asner and Mel Gibson, are openly supporting the strike authorization, splintering Hollywood's largest union.

"Obviously, the board has to consider withdrawing the strike authorization given what's happening, and we may need to shake things up to get what we need," said Unite for Strength spokesman Ned Vaughn, who serves as an alternate member of the national board.

Negotiating committee member Anne-Marie Johnson said it would be "undemocratic" to prohibit members from voting on the strike authorization because the studios' final offer was unacceptable.

Johnson defended Allen, saying, "To want to fire your lead negotiator, whose only fault is that he's trying to get the best possible contract he can get, baffles the mind."

Allen could not be reached for comment. He said in an e-mail to members last week that he and Rosenberg postponed plans for the strike referendum, which was scheduled to begin Friday, to "address the unfortunate division and restore consensus." However, he said the vote would proceed immediately after the Jan. 12 meeting.

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richard.verrier@latimes.com