Hollywood's Labor Movement: A New Dawn of Negotiations

Hollywood's Labor Movement: A New Dawn of Negotiations

In a significant development last week, the film and television industry witnessed a promising turn in labor negotiations. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), representing the backbone of Hollywood's production crews, announced tentative agreements with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussions for better working conditions and terms of employment.

Among the unions, the Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild, Local 706, and Local 80, have successfully reached tentative agreements with AMPTP on March 27 and March 28, respectively. This news comes on the heels of Local 695's agreement, announced previously on March 25. These achievements represent critical steps forward in the complex negotiation landscape.

The negotiations resumed after a brief pause for the holiday weekend, with Locals 728 and 871 engaging in in-person bargaining on April 1. The coming days are slated for further discussions, involving Local 892 and the Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700, indicating a robust momentum in the negotiation efforts.

To date, six of the thirteen West Coast Studio Locals have reached tentative agreements. These advancements are a testament to the dedication and unity among the crew members and their representatives. The specifics of these agreements are awaited, with the promise of more detailed information once the Memorandums of Agreement are drafted and approved by the respective Local Unions.

In an adaptive move, IATSE and AMPTP have agreed to a revised bargaining schedule for the Basic General and Area Standards (ASA) Negotiations. This adjustment aims to provide a more structured timeline for the discussions, with the Basic Agreement Negotiations now set from April 29 through May 16, and ASA negotiations to follow from May 20 through May 31. This rescheduling reflects a strategic approach to ensure comprehensive coverage of the issues at hand.

Mike Miller, IATSE International Vice President, shared his insights on the developments, emphasizing the importance of the revised schedule in addressing craft-specific issues thoroughly. Miller also commended the negotiating committees for their hard work and dedication, underscoring the collective effort in these advancements.

In a rallying call for unity and solidarity, IATSE is encouraging all film and TV workers, along with the broader labor movement, to participate in #OneFightFridays. By wearing union swag each Friday for the duration of the negotiations, the community aims to visually showcase its power and unity across the country, strengthening the collective voice for better conditions in the industry.

As these negotiations unfold, the film and TV industry stands at the brink of a potentially transformative period. The tentative agreements and ongoing discussions highlight a concerted effort toward fairer practices and a recognition of the invaluable contributions of the crew members who are the backbone of Hollywood's creative output.