Negotiations between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have entered a crucial phase following a recent caucus week.
This phase involves each of IATSE’s 13 West Coast Studio Locals (WCSL) engaging in individual negotiations with the studios to address their craft-specific issues. The negotiations are slated to run from March 18 to April 26, with two locals negotiating simultaneously at any given time to ensure efficient progress.
Kicking off this phase on March 18 were the International Cinematographer’s Guild (IATSE Local 600) and the Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800). The Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700) and IATSE Local 729 are expected to join negotiations later in the week. These negotiations mark a critical step in addressing the concerns and priorities of IATSE members within each craft.
IATSE International Vice President Mike Miller praised the preparation undertaken by each local union’s Negotiating Committees, emphasizing the unprecedented level of effort that went into preparing for these discussions. “The work that the Locals did to prepare each of their Negotiating Committees, which included town hall meetings, member surveys, bargaining trainings and one-on-one conversations, is unprecedented. The process identified clear priorities and helped develop the proposals that the Locals’ members want addressed by the employers.”
REELated:
The solidarity demonstrated throughout IATSE’s negotiations has been historic, both domestically and internationally. A joint rally in Los Angeles on March 3, titled ‘Many Crafts, One Fight,’ brought together thousands of union members from across the Hollywood labor movement in a show of support for behind-the-scenes workers.
During the Oscars telecast on March 10, a special tribute was made to recognize the ongoing negotiations of the behind-the-scenes unions, underscoring the significance of the labor issues at hand. Furthermore, on March 14, UNI Global Union issued a statement of support for IATSE’s negotiations, highlighting the international solidarity among service workers in the media, entertainment, and arts sector.
These developments underscore the gravity of the issues being negotiated and the widespread support garnered by IATSE’s efforts to address the concerns of its members. As negotiations progress over the coming weeks, the industry will closely watch for developments that could impact the future of behind-the-scenes workers in the entertainment industry.
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