In a departure from the labor unrest that plagued Hollywood last year, the latest round of contract negotiations between IATSE (The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) and the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) has unfolded relatively smoothly.
Unlike the tumultuous negotiations with other unions, such as the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA), IATSE has historically avoided nationwide strikes in its 131-year history. While the threat of a walkout loomed in 2021, negotiations were ultimately resolved without significant disruption.
The Motion Picture Costumers, IATSE Local 705, reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on Wednesday.
Currently, 11 of the 13 West Coast Studio Locals (80, 600, 695, 705, 706, 729, 800, 700, 728, 871 and 892) have reached tentative agreements with the AMPTP. Both Affiliated Property Craftspersons Local 44 and the Studio Teachers, IATSE Local 884, are still in negotiations with the AMPTP.
International Vice President Mike Miller commented, “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.”
As the broader negotiations for the basic agreement, covering critical issues affecting below-the-line workers, are set to commence, anticipation mounts regarding the potential outcomes. The aftermath of the writers’ and actors’ labor actions has underscored the need for stability and cooperation to ensure the industry’s continued recovery from the upheaval of the past year.
Matthew Loeb, IATSE’s international president, emphasized the importance of reaching a timely resolution to prevent further delays in production and maintain industry momentum. “Look, people need to work,” he told the LA Times. “And to the extent that our goals are met, the earlier [a deal is struck] the better. … We don’t want companies holding off on greenlighting pictures or moving them. We want to keep the business on track and make the recovery from last year.”
Challenges lie ahead as discussions pivot to more complex and consequential agenda items. Issues such as wages, pension and health benefits, work-life balance, job security, streaming residuals, and artificial intelligence are expected to be contentious points of negotiation. The efficiency of craft-specific talks offers a promising foundation, but reconciling divergent interests and priorities will require careful navigation.
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In a statement provided to The Times, a spokesperson for the studios said, “The AMPTP is pleased by the progress we have made and remains focused on the task at hand: collaborating with our union partners to reach a fair deal that keeps crew members on the job without interruption and recognizes the contributions they make to our industry.”
Despite the progress made thus far, the path to a comprehensive agreement remains uncertain. The upcoming negotiations are scheduled to run through May 16, with both sides aiming for a resolution that addresses the multifaceted needs of industry workers. While optimism pervades the discussions, the potential for protracted deliberations or, in the worst-case scenario, a strike authorization vote looms on the horizon.
As Hollywood’s crew union negotiations enter a critical phase, the industry braces for the outcome of these high-stakes deliberations. The lessons learned from past labor disputes serve as a reminder of the importance of dialogue, compromise, and collective action in shaping the future of entertainment industry labor relations.
For Reel 360 News’ full negotiating coverage, click here.
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