A coalition of Hollywood’s below-the-line unions gathered on the eve of their contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), raising the specter of a historic strike if their demands were not met.
The rally, named “Many Crafts, One Fight,” drew a substantial crowd at Woodley Park in Encino, with additional viewers tuning in online.
The below-the-line unions, including Teamsters Local 399, IBEW Local 40, LiUNA! Local 724, OPCMIA Local 755, UA Local 78, and IATSE, joined forces for the first time since 1988 to negotiate health and pension benefits with the AMPTP. The talks commenced the following Monday, marking a pivotal moment in Hollywood labor negotiations.
“I hope they’re paying attention right down the road at the AMPTP,” IATSE vice president Michael Miller announced from the stage to the crowd of around a thousand people
The rally emphasized the importance of solidarity among the various unions and highlighted the indispensable role played by below-the-line workers in the entertainment industry. Speakers conveyed a clear message that “Nothing moves without the crew.”
While above-the-line unions like SAG-AFTRA and the WGA showed strong support at the rally, the Directors Guild (DGA) received a more muted reaction. Critics within the labor movement accused the DGA of quick acquiescence during previous strikes, contributing to inter-union tensions.
California Labor Federation executive secretary-treasurer Lorena Gonzalez’s call-and-response of “F**k around and find out” suggests a bold and assertive stance, implying that if the AMPTP doesn’t meet the demands or address the issues raised by the workers and their representatives, they will face consequences or resistance.
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L.A. County Federation of Labor president Yvonne Wheeler’s statement emphasizes the importance of fair wages and benefits for workers below the line in the entertainment industry, highlighting the need to ensure that these workers are not relegated to poverty-level compensation despite their essential contributions to the industry.
Key demands from the below-the-line unions centered around rest, safety, and compensation. Hollywood Teamsters head Lindsay Dougherty asserted the unions’ preparedness to strike if necessary.
Sean O’Brien, the national president of the Teamsters, delivered a pointed speech, referring to entertainment companies as “the white-collar crime syndicate” and denouncing entertainment companies as “the white-collar crime syndicate.”
He aimed to reframe perceptions about crew members’ resolve, rejecting notions of their supposed reluctance to fight for their rights amid pandemic-induced unemployment. O’Brien warned the AMPTP of an escalating confrontation, asserting that the current struggle dwarfs past conflicts. He emphasized the strength derived from desperation, suggesting that workers’ unwavering commitment overrides concerns about potential consequences. O’Brien’s speech epitomized a resolute labor movement prepared to challenge industry norms and demand equitable treatment and representation for workers across the entertainment sector.
IATSE president Matt Loeb reiterated the unions’ stance that studios could afford to provide better benefits to workers. “The studios can afford to give us more,” so he called on the crowd to “get our piece.”
The rally underscored the determination of below-the-line workers to secure fair treatment and benefits, signaling a potentially turbulent period ahead for Hollywood labor relations. As negotiations unfold, the industry watches closely, aware that a strike could have significant repercussions, echoing the challenges faced by writers and actors in 2023 that left the entertainment industry reeling.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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