There's dissension in the ranks of the Screen Actors Guild, as a host of prominent stars like Tom Hanks, George Clooney and Eva Longoria Parker are objecting to their union's recent decision to call a strike vote.

Hanks, Clooney and Longoria Parker are among more than 130 actors who signed a letter urging their peers to reject their union's strike authorization vote, slated to be held in January.

"We don't think that an authorization can be looked at as merely a bargaining tool ... It must be looked at as what it is — an agreement to strike if negotiations fail," the letter reads.

"We do not believe in all good conscience that now is the time to be putting people out of work."

Other signatories include Tobey Maguire, Cameron Diaz, Josh Brolin and Edward Norton.

The union has said it will send strike authorization ballots to its membership on Jan. 2. At least 75 per cent of voting members must approve a strike for one to proceed, although one would be unlikely before the end of January.

Still, that could put the Feb. 22 Academy Awards ceremony at risk.

The letter — the most recent example of unhappiness with the current SAG leadership — comes days after New York representatives on the union's board called for a stop to the strike vote, as well as an emergency meeting to replace the current negotiating committee.

Internet compensation among key negotiation points

SAG represents more than 120,000 actors in movies, television and other media.

One of the key sticking points is internet-related work: the union wants coverage for online-only productions regardless of budget as well as residual payments for material replayed online. SAG is also seeking protection for actors during work stoppages.

The opposing side, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, has criticized SAG for wanting a better deal than the one already reached with writers, directors and another actors union earlier in the year.

Talks between the two sides were intense in the summer as the deadline approached, and then passed. However, the discussions — and a subsequent effort in November with a mediator present — ultimately broke down.

SAG's last contract with the AMPTP expired June 30.

Many in the production industry, from studios to some actors to workers in related fields, have said they oppose another labour disruption.

The nearly three-month long Writers Guild of America strike a year ago derailed Hollywood, dampened the celebratory film awards season and is estimated to have cost the Los Angeles economy approximately $2.5 billion US.

With files from the Associated Press