As a dedicated cinema devotee with decades of experience in the film industry, I have witnessed the ebb and flow of labor disputes and their impact on our community. Last year’s double strikes by IATSE members brought production to a grinding halt, leaving many of us in limbo. The recent news that IATSE members have voted to ratify their contracts with the major studios brings a sense of relief and hope for an uptick in work amidst the continued industry slowdown.
IATSE union members have approved new agreements with Hollywood studios, easing concerns about another industry halt just following last year’s two labor actions, and increasing optimism for a surge in projects during the ongoing production slump.
A substantial number of members gave their approval to the contracts, overriding concerns in certain areas that they did not adequately safeguard against the threats posed by artificial intelligence. The Basic Agreement received a yes vote of 85.9% from the membership, and an impressive 87.2% supported the Area Standards Agreement.
According to Matt Loeb, international president of IATSE, the union’s rank-and-file members have expressed their strong preference through a clear vote. The recent contracts signed represent a substantial advancement for the film and television industry in the US, as well as its labor force. This outcome underscores the support of our members, and now it’s time to build upon these negotiations’ accomplishments.
The union announced record-breaking participation in the 2021 election, with over 72% of eligible members taking part. However, the approval for the Basic Agreement that year was notably contentious, as just under 50% (49.6%) expressed their affirmative vote. In contrast, during this round of voting, all the concerned local unions endorsed the agreements, leading to a consensus among the delegates and an unequivocal approval.
The Union’s approval of the “historic” agreement, which was achieved with strong endorsement, was praised by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, acting as the studios’ negotiator.
Starting from the initial talks, IATSE’s leaders showed a strong dedication towards a reasonable and cooperative approach, ultimately leading to accords featuring significant advancements and safeguards. These agreements acknowledge the invaluable contributions of IATSE members and guarantee the provision of well-compensated employment opportunities and compelling content for the future. (AMPTP spokesperson)
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can tell you that last year’s strikes left both parties eager to reach an agreement. The desire to bounce back was strong, and so they set aside additional time for negotiations, starting in early March. Thankfully, the union decided against taking a strike authorization vote during this period.
As a long-time member of the film industry, I have seen firsthand the challenges that come with our line of work. The recent contracts bring welcome news for us workers, offering substantial wage increases and addressing some long-standing issues.
IATSE secured some agreements regarding AI implementation. Under the union agreement, any use of AI is included, ensuring members aren’t compelled to input data that could potentially displace a colleague. Members losing jobs due to AI will receive severance and training opportunities. Additionally, regular meetings are scheduled to address advancements in technology.
Members with concerns about AI being used on their creative work, potentially leading to job loss, felt that the AMPTP’s previous agreements did not go far enough. The AMPTP has refused to address this issue in any of its contract negotiations by either limiting or providing compensation for AI training.
During a Town Hall gathering on Saturday, attendees urged IATSE leaders for further clarification regarding the specifics of the proposed agreement.
The Set Designers Council, which is part of the Art Directors Guild (Local 800), strongly advised against approving the new contract due to the lack of safeguards regarding their unique design processes. An excerpt from an email to members, obtained by EbMaster, states: “We have not been granted any shields for our personal methods in the realms of designing, constructing models, creating illustrations or documents. This pertains to all professions, including art direction, set design, illustration, graphic arts, and even physical model making if it involves using a computer to generate components.”
About 50,000 film and TV industry workers in Los Angeles and other West Coast cities, represented by IATSE’s 13 local unions, are protected under the Hollywood Basic and Videotape Agreements. The three largest guilds are the Cinematographers Guild (Local 600), Editors Guild (Local 700), and Art Directors Guild (Local 800).
Approximately 20,000 film and TV workers in the US, spread across 23 local unions excluding those in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Chicago, are governed by the Area Standards Agreement. This agreement is set to conclude on July 31st. From August 1st onwards, new contracts will replace the current ones.
Approximately 8,000 workers from the Teamsters and other craft unions are currently in contract negotiations. The Teamsters’ leadership has expressed concern that significant differences remain between both parties regarding fundamental matters such as wage hikes. Additionally, the union aims to restrict subcontracting. Their current agreement is set to expire on July 31.
Lindsay Dougherty, the leader of Teamsters Local 399, initially expressed doubt about a strike occurring before negotiations started. However, the union’s tone has become more forceful recently, with members stating they won’t “give in to unfavorable terms” during negotiations.
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2024-07-18 21:49