Grammy Awards To Escape Writers Picket Lines

The 50th annual Grammy Awards will take place without the threat of picket lines disrupting the ceremony, the Writers Guild of America has announced.

The union’s decision has been welcomed by organisers who had faced the possibility of the ceremony being affected, and possibly downsized, because of ongoing industrial action.

The Writers Guild Of America (WGA) are currently embroiled in an eleven week pay dispute with Hollywood Studios.

The WGA said their decision to waiver possible strike action was made on behalf of two sister unions, including the Screen Actors Guild, which represent musical performers.

A spokesperson for the awards, Neil Portnow, told Reuters that the academy was grateful that the Grammy’s will now focus “solely on the great music, artists and charitable work resulting from our show."

Kanye West leads the nominations for this years ceremony - which take place in Los Angeles on February 10th.

The US rapper has picked up eight nominations, while Amy Winehouse closely follows on six.