The U.S. National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint against the writers' union in a dispute over proposed webisode spinoffs from NBC Universal shows.

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A webisode is an installment in a webcast, much like a TV episode online.

The Hollywood Reporter said the complaint alleged the Writers Guild of America encouraged writers and producers on "Crossing Jordan,""The Office" and other shows to refuse to cooperate with webisode production.

The situation reportedly stemmed from a WGA demand that NBC Universal Television pay for such reuse of TV content on the Internet. NBC refused to pay for the webisodes, saying they were strictly promotional.

A hearing on the matter is expected this December, the Hollywood Reporter said.