Hollywood Teamsters show their pride ahead of contract negotiations

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As a movie lover with a deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication behind the scenes, I can’t help but be moved by the story of the Hollywood Teamsters and the coalition of below-the-line workers who came together to build a float for L.A. Pride. The intricate details of the float, from the sparkly blue fabric provided by a location manager to the golden horse heads painted by artists whose resumes include iconic films, are a testament to the skill and artistry of these unsung heroes of the film industry.

At the Los Angeles Pride parade, the Hollywood Teamsters’ float was adorned with shimmering blue fabric. This fabric was generously supplied by a location manager who has previously worked on Peacock’s “Bel-Air” and Netflix’s “The Politician” productions.

A construction coordinator on Freeform’s “Good Trouble” carefully stacked large, bubble letters. Gold paint transformed the horse statues for artists with credentials like “Jerry Maguire” and “The Big Lebowski.” Rainbow gems were sourced directly from Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic set.

As a movie buff, I’ve been closely following the ongoing contract negotiations between IATSE, the largest union for Hollywood crew members, and the major studios. Around a month after these talks began, a smaller coalition of below-the-line workers is making their voices heard. They rallied in Hollywood over the weekend to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and prepare for their upcoming bargaining sessions.

As a devoted film industry insider and an active member of the Teamsters LGBTQ+ caucus, I can assure you that every person present here shares the commitment to equal rights. Ultimately, it’s all about ensuring fairness and respect for these hardworking individuals. We owe them our acknowledgement and just compensation for their invaluable contributions.

On Monday, representatives from Teamsters Local 399, a member of the Hollywood Basic Crafts union, will commence negotiations for their main contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

Approximately 7,600 union workers in the film and television industry are pushing for higher wages, improved pensions and healthcare, enhanced streaming royalties, and safeguards against technological advancements like artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles. The affected personnel encompass a diverse range of roles such as animal trainers, casting directors, drivers, location managers, mechanics, cement masons, and plumbers.

The Hollywood Basic Crafts union group also includes Teamsters Local 399. This collective term represents the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 40, Laborers International Union of North America Local 724, United Assn. Plumbers Local 78, and Operating Plasterers and Cement Masons International Assn. Local 755 as well.

As a movie critic, I’d put it this way: The major film studios, including Amazon MGM, Apple, Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros. Discovery, and others, have remained silent on the matter at hand in response to my inquiry. The Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) chose not to provide a comment for this story.

Members of Teamsters Local 399 — the labor union representing Hollywood drivers, animal trainers, location scouts and other crew members — pose for a group photo during the Los Angeles Pride parade.
(Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

Around the beginning of March, Teamsters Local 399 and the Hollywood Basic Crafts collaborated with IATSE for the first time in over three decades to discuss and make adjustments to their combined pension and health plan. The details of this package are still under discussion; pension and health benefits continue to be significant issues during IATSE’s ongoing contract negotiations.

Currently, the Hollywood unions Teamsters and Basic Crafts are holding joint negotiations to renew six separate contracts for various film crew categories. These existing contracts beneath the line will expire on July 31st.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hollywood strikes in 2023, and ongoing industry shrinkage, entertainment workers face significant job scarcity. As explained by Lindsay Dougherty, the principal officer and lead negotiator for Teamsters Local 399, wage hikes are now a greater focus for the union than ever before during contract talks, given the prolonged financial hardships.

Approximately two decades ago when I started working as a location manager, it was such a rewarding job that your partner could comfortably stay at home. Reminisces Jason McCauley, whose works include HBO’s “Westworld” and Warner Bros.’ “Joker: Folie à Deux.” However, presently, I struggle to make ends meet while working over 60 hours per week.

Unions aim to tackle safety concerns and potential risks associated with extended shifts lasting more than 20 hours, primarily through establishing fair compensation guidelines. This should discourage employers from making their teams work overtime.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share this perspective: If there are productions forcing their crew members to work long hours, they need to be aware of the consequences. They will have to bear additional costs if they continue down this path. Consequently, these productions may not film as extensively should they face increased financial burdens.

The apprehension about another Hollywood strike has eased a bit as IATSE negotiations have progressed smoothly without major issues. Dougherty quipped that ideally, the AMPTP would approve all of the proposals from Hollywood’s Teamsters and Basic Crafts, leading to a settlement by Monday.

But the unions are prepared to bargain down to the wire if necessary.

“Once in our past, we went on a strike with those corporations, which occurred in 1988. As a result, negotiating terms without resorting to striking is an option. The process may take as long as required.”

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2024-07-18 22:32