Hollywood's Costumer Union Local 705 Strikes Tentative Deal with AMPTP

Motion Picture Costumers Union Local 705 Secures Tentative Deal with AMPTP

In a landmark update from the heart of Hollywood's bustling industry, the Motion Picture Costumers, IATSE Local 705, announced on Wednesday that they have successfully reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This pivotal development brings the number of West Coast Studio Locals with tentative agreements up to 11 out of 13, signifying a wave of successful negotiations sweeping through the entertainment sector.

Local 705, renowned for outfitting characters in everything from blockbuster films to independent features, joins the ranks of other locals such as 80, 600, 695, 706, 729, 800, 700, 728, 871, and 892, in achieving a tentative truce with the AMPTP. Their success is a testament to the collaborative efforts and leadership skills demonstrated by the negotiation committees, many stepping into these critical roles for the first time.

In an industry where the fine details of a costume can make or break a film's visual storytelling, the deal with Local 705 not only impacts the lives of the costumers but also the fabric of the narratives they help weave. The skilled hands behind the scenes play an integral role in bringing to life the visions of directors and writers, making their working conditions and compensation key to the industry's continued success and integrity.

While Local 705 celebrates this milestone, negotiations are still ongoing for the Affiliated Property Craftspersons Local 44 and the Studio Teachers, IATSE Local 884. The outcomes of these talks are highly anticipated, as they will further shape the landscape of Hollywood labor relations.

International Vice President Mike Miller expressed optimism about the negotiations, citing the effectiveness of the leadership exhibited by the committees and expressing eagerness to move forward with the next steps. "These productive talks are a result of the leadership shown by the negotiation committees for the West Coast Studio Locals, many of whom were new to the process. We look forward to entering the next phase of this calendar," Miller stated.

As Hollywood braces for the resumption of Basic Agreement General Negotiations at the end of April, stakeholders across the board are gearing up to address broader industry issues such as wage increases, pension and health contributions, and the increasingly pertinent discussion around the role of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. Quality of life conditions, job security, and residuals are also on the negotiation table, poised to influence the future of film and television production.

In the coming days, Local Unions are expected to disseminate further details about the tentative agreements, following the formal drafting of Memorandums of Agreement by the respective legal teams. These documents, once ratified, will cement the terms of employment for countless members who are the backbone of Hollywood's creative output.

As the narrative of Hollywood's labor agreements unfolds, the industry watches with bated breath, hopeful for a resolution that champions the rights of workers while fostering the continued growth and innovation that are hallmarks of Tinseltown.