Hollywood crew members ratify new IATSE contract

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As a devoted cinephile and someone who has closely followed the labor disputes within the film and television industry for years, I am elated to see that the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) members have ratified a new three-year contract with Hollywood studios and streamers. This is a significant victory for the 70,000 below-the-line workers, who are essential to bringing our favorite movies and TV shows to life.

Entertainment industry workers, including those in film and television, have approved a fresh three-year agreement with production companies. Negotiations were generally uncomplicated, taking place after two significant Hollywood walkouts had passed.

As a long-time member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), I have witnessed many negotiations and votes over the years. This week’s ratification of the new Hollywood Basic Agreement was particularly noteworthy to me. With an impressive 85.9% approval rate from the members, it’s clear that this agreement resonated strongly with the union community. The historically high turnout further underscores the significance of this decision. It’s a testament to the power of collective bargaining and the dedication of IATSE members to secure fair wages, safe working conditions, and a sustainable future for our industry. This is an important victory for us all.

Approximately 50,000 below-the-line workers, mainly residing in Los Angeles, are encompassed by the fundamental contract. This group consists of cinematographers, costume designers, set decorators, editors, and lighting technicians. Additionally, union members approved the Area Standards Agreement, which extends to approximately 20,000 tradespeople stationed in other significant production locations throughout the United States.

The new contracts will go into effect Aug. 1.

According to Matthew D. Loeb, international president of IATSE, the preferences of its regular members have been expressed explicitly.

Through substantial wage raises, special craft modifications, enhanced health and pension plans funded in innovative ways, superior safety measures, and essential safeguards to prevent AI misuse threatening IATSE employees, the recent contracts represent a major advancement for the American film and TV industry and its labor force. Our members endorse this progress, and it’s now crucial that we build upon these negotiation successes.

Approximately a month after IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) came to a preliminary agreement on new contracts, the election outcomes were announced. AMPTP represents studios and streaming services like Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, and Netflix in negotiations.

I’ve spent years working in the film industry, and I can tell you that union contracts are a crucial part of ensuring fair compensation and benefits for workers. The 71-page agreement we recently received is no exception. It includes long-awaited wage increases that will help hardworking crew members make ends meet. But it’s not just about the money – this contract also secures funding for our union’s pension and health plans, which are essential for our future financial security.

The AMPTP companies, all members, extend their congratulations to IATSE for passing these groundbreaking agreements, which gained strong approval from IATSE’s own membership. (AMPTP’s statement)

Starting right from the beginning of the talks, IATSE’s leaders showed a strong dedication towards a reasonable and cooperative negotiation. This approach led us to reach groundbreaking accords, filled with significant benefits and safeguards. The agreements recognize the indispensable contribution of IATSE members to our industry and guarantee well-compensated positions for years to come, allowing us to keep producing top-notch content.

The alliance of labor unions representing Hollywood craftsmen, including drivers, electricians, location managers, plumbers, mechanics, and cement masons, is ongoing in negotiations with the AMPTP regarding their contracts. These contracts are set to conclude on July 31.

Last week, Amy Gorton from Hollywood Basic Crafts stated that there was a significant gap between the unions and the studios regarding crucial matters as they prepared for their last scheduled negotiation session.

“Gorton stated in a release that our suggestions have been reasonable all along. Some of these ideas won’t even require employers to spend anything, yet they will bring significant benefits to our members.”

Based on my extensive experience as a negotiator and dealmaker in the entertainment industry, I can tell you that July 19th marks the final day for our ongoing negotiations with the Studios. This is a significant milestone that we have communicated to all parties involved. While it’s certainly possible that we could arrange additional meetings after this date, I must be clear: our existing agreements will not be extended beyond their expiration date of July 31st. The stakes are high in our line of work, and the ability to meet deadlines is a crucial skill for success. My career has taught me that flexibility and adaptability are essential, but so too is maintaining the integrity of contracts and agreements. So, as we approach this pivotal moment, let us focus on reaching a satisfactory resolution before the clock runs out.

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2024-07-18 23:01