LOS ANGELES (AP) &#8212 For two decades, Hollywood writers have clamored for a bigger slice of profits from video sales, only to be turned back by studios insisting uncertain economics meant they had to stick with the status quo.

This time, the writers might not back down.

The Writers Guild of America was on the verge of calling its first strike in nearly 20 years Thursday after negotiations collapsed and their contract with producers expired Wednesday.

Officials called a meeting of the union’s 12,000 members for Thursday night and were expected to discuss whether to walk out.

Guild members recently authorized their negotiators to call the first strike since 1988, if necessary.

“The guild has never had the resolve to go the distance,” said Harris Goldberg, screenwriter of “Deuce Bigalow, Male Gigolo.” ”They feel that if they don’t do it now, they’re never going to be able to do it again.”

Respect is also at stake, with many writers feeling they have never commanded the same clout as actors and directors.

“I don’t think it’s something we can negotiate for,” said Paul Guay, who co-wrote the movies “Liar, Liar” and “Heartbreakers.” ”What we can negotiate for is money. How we assess respect and worth in this town is money.”

A strike would not immediately impact film or prime-time TV production. Most studios have stockpiled dozens of movie scripts, and TV shows have enough scripts or completed shows in hand to last until early next year.