FIRST OFF . . .

Contract negotiations between the 68,000-member American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the networks have resumed in New York after a holiday recess, but there are no signs of progress. “There is a lot of work left to do,” union spokesman Dick Moore said. The opposing parties “are working very hard and they are pulling no punches,” Moore added. The contract expired Nov. 15, but has been extended by both sides on a day-to-day basis. AFTRA’s national executive director, John Hall, told his membership in the guild’s most recent magazine that there had been no movement on three important issues: wages, excessive overtime demands and rest between work periods. AFTRA’s membership includes actors, anchormen, reporters, radio disc jockeys, recording artists and game- and talk-show hosts. The current contract talks, which began Oct. 4, involve 37 separate contracts. AFTRA locals have given strike authorization if the guild’s board of directors feels such action is needed. A strike could cripple television production.