Hollywood Unions Make Progress in Negotiations with Producers

In a significant development in the entertainment industry, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 871 has successfully reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This breakthrough came after three intensive days of face-to-face discussions, marking a pivotal moment for Hollywood's craft unions.

This latest accord means that seven out of the thirteen West Coast Studio Locals, including Locals 80, 600, 695, 706, 729, 800, and now 871, have now entered into tentative agreements with AMPTP concerning their craft-specific issues. These developments bring a wave of optimism across the sector, indicating progress in the ongoing negotiations that have kept the industry on its toes.

Details of these preliminary agreements will be shared with the union members once the Memorandums of Agreement are officially prepared by the legal teams from both sides and approved by the respective Local unions. This step is crucial for formalizing the agreements and moving forward.

It's essential to understand that these local agreements are part of a larger negotiation process involving the Basic Agreement General Negotiations. This broader negotiation scope aims to address critical issues such as wage increases, pension and health contributions, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the industry, job security, and residuals. The completion of these general negotiations is eagerly awaited, as they will define the comprehensive package of benefits and securities for the members.

Negotiations are set to resume on April 29 and are expected to continue until May 16, heralding a crucial period for the future of Hollywood's workforce. IATSE International Vice President Mike Miller expressed optimism about the progress, stating, "The work continues for our remaining Locals' Negotiating Committees, but there's significant momentum created by these tentative agreements. I congratulate the Negotiating Committee of Local 871 on their effective work."

However, the journey is not over. Studio Electrical Lighting Technicians, Local 728, and Costume Designers Guild, Local 892, are still in the midst of negotiations with the AMPTP. Furthermore, Local 700 is gearing up for another round of bargaining on April 5th. The coming weeks are scheduled for further discussions, with Locals 44 and 705 beginning their negotiations on April 15, and Local 884 expected to enter talks later in the same week.

As Hollywood navigates these negotiations, the industry eyes are fixed on the outcomes, hopeful for agreements that will secure the future of its workforce and the quality of its productions.