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    Hollywood Union IATSE Pauses Contract Talks, Eyes Key Issues in Upcoming Negotiations

    Entertainment 4 Mins Read

    It looks like yet another possible stoppage is on the way.

    The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is pausing its ongoing contract negotiations with Hollywood studios for two weeks, planning to resume discussions the week of June 24. This break allows the studios’ labor representatives, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), to focus on upcoming talks with Hollywood Teamsters 399 and the Basic Crafts during this hiatus.

    The halt comes amidst unresolved issues in the negotiations involving the Hollywood Basic or Area Standards Agreements. Matthew D. Loeb, the president of IATSE, expressed optimism about reaching an agreement that the union members would endorse. The negotiations, which started steadily, now face hurdles, particularly concerning wage increases—a significant concern for the union.

    IATSE members are currently grappling with financial strains exacerbated by the reduced number of production jobs following last year’s strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). The union is pushing for substantial wage hikes to cope with the elevated living expenses in Los Angeles and other key production centers. These demands coincide with the studios’ attempts to slash production budgets in a bid to boost profitability for their streaming services.

    Another pivotal issue in the discussions is the funding of the Motion Picture Industry Health and Pension Plan (MPI), which benefits members of IATSE, Teamsters, and Basic Crafts. The plan currently faces a projected shortfall of $670 million over the next three years, mainly due to decreased contributions following last year’s industry-wide strikes.

    In parallel negotiations, Teamsters 399 is set to advocate for minimum staffing levels for drivers on film sets and protections against the use of automated vehicles. These talks will also include other unions from the Hollywood Basic Crafts like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 40, Laborers International Union of North America Local 724, United Association Plumbers Local 78, and the Operating Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association Local 755.

    Both IATSE and the Teamsters have a critical deadline of July 31 for their current contracts. They have made it clear that they will not accept an extension beyond this date without a satisfactory agreement. This decisive stance underscores the urgency and critical nature of the negotiations, as both sides seek resolutions that address economic and operational challenges in the industry.

    Major Points:

    • IATSE has paused contract negotiations with Hollywood studios for two weeks, planning to resume talks the week of June 24.
    • The pause allows the studios’ labor representatives to negotiate with Hollywood Teamsters 399 and the Basic Crafts during the interim.
    • Key issues in the IATSE negotiations include significant wage increases to address financial strains from last year’s industry strikes and the high cost of living in major production hubs.
    • The unions are also pushing for new funding models for the Motion Picture Industry Health and Pension Plan, facing a projected $670 million shortfall.
    • Both IATSE and Teamsters have set a firm deadline of July 31 for their current contracts, refusing to extend if no agreement is reached by then.

    Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

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