Hollywood Union Negotiations Progress as More Locals Reach Tentative Agreements

In a significant development in Hollywood labor negotiations, the Studio Electrical Lighting Technicians of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 728 have reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The agreement, reached on Thursday, addresses craft-specific issues vital to Local 728’s members.

This latest agreement marks a notable step forward in the ongoing labor discussions, with now 10 of the 13 West Coast Studio Locals—including Local 80, 600, 695, 706, 729, 800, 700, 728, 871, and 892—having successfully negotiated tentative agreements with the AMPTP. Among them, the Motion Picture Editors Guild, Local 700, and the Costume Designers Guild, Local 892, finalized their agreements earlier this month on April 5th.

Negotiations for other locals are on the horizon, with Locals 44 and 705 set to begin their bargaining sessions on Monday, April 15. Local 884 is also preparing to enter negotiations later in the week.

Mike Miller, Vice President of the IATSE, lauded the efforts and strategies of the negotiation committees, remarking on the effectiveness of their preparedness and the structured bargaining calendar. "This bargaining calendar, together with the diligent preparation work that the West Coast Studio Locals' Negotiation Committees have done, has meant that the time we have spent at the table so far with the employers was effective," said Miller.

As the individual locals work towards formalizing their agreements, additional details will be circulated to their members through official channels. Each local will receive a Memorandum of Agreement drafted by legal representatives from both sides, pending approval from the corresponding local's membership.

Looking ahead, the broader Basic Agreement General Negotiations are scheduled to resume on April 29. These talks are expected to cover critical industry-wide issues such as wage increases, pension and health contributions, the impact of artificial intelligence on job security, and residuals. The negotiations will continue through May 16, aiming to secure a comprehensive resolution that addresses the needs and concerns of all parties involved.

The recent successes in the negotiation rounds between IATSE locals and the AMPTP reflect a positive shift towards understanding and cooperation in Hollywood. However, these achievements should not mask the ongoing challenges that workers in the entertainment industry face, especially in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The inclusion of issues such as artificial intelligence in the upcoming Basic Agreement General Negotiations indicates a forward-thinking approach, but also underscores the anxiety surrounding job security and the potential displacement of skilled labor.

It's crucial that these negotiations not only address immediate wage increases and benefits but also set a precedent for how emerging technologies will be integrated into the industry. The proactive stance of the unions in addressing these concerns is commendable, but the real test will be in their ability to secure long-term assurances for their members. As Hollywood continues to adapt to new production technologies and distribution models, the resilience and adaptability of its workforce, supported by fair and foresighted agreements, will be key to sustaining its global leadership in entertainment.