Teamsters and Basic Crafts Unions Ratify Contracts

As a seasoned movie buff with decades of experiencing the ups and downs of Hollywood, I must say this recent development in the Teamsters and Basic Crafts unions’ contract ratification is a breath of fresh air. After witnessing the tumultuous industry shutdowns caused by strikes, it’s heartening to see both parties reaching an agreement that ensures stability for all involved.


On Thursday, it was announced by the Teamsters and other Hollywood craft unions that they’ve approved the terms of their freshly negotiated contracts. These agreements guarantee an overall salary increase of 7%.

On Saturday evening, the five labor unions (together accounting for approximately 8,000 employees) reached a preliminary agreement with the Alliance of Film and TV Production Companies.

As a cinephile, I’ve been on the frontlines advocating for significant salary hikes, not just single-digit, but double-digits! I’m also pushing for a ban on those driverless trucks and ensuring there’s always at least one driver per vehicle. However, the studios seem resistant to stepping outside the wage pattern established by SAG-AFTRA and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees last year: 7%, 4%, and 3.5% annual increases respectively.

Certain categories surpassed the specified threshold, while negotiations failed to secure the required workforce number or terms regarding self-driving cars. Despite this, the AMPTP assured that production companies do not intend to utilize autonomous trucks.

“Lindsay Dougherty, head of Teamsters Local 399, announced that we’re gearing up for the upcoming negotiations,” she stated. “We’ll stay vigilant about technological changes, push for more jobs in California, ensure only Teamsters handle our tasks, and work tirelessly to secure fair pay, favorable working conditions, and respect for all Motion Picture Teamsters.”

Nearly all members of the Teamsters union – approximately 96% – endorsed the “Black Book” agreement. This contract applies to drivers, dispatchers, animal handlers, and mechanics. Interestingly, even the location managers within the union, who are also part of the Teamsters, agreed to this deal by a vote of 98%.

The unions representing laborers (LiUNA! Local 724), electricians (IBEW Local 40), plasterers (OPCMIA Local 755), and plumbers (UA Local 78) all ratified their contracts with the following percentages of approval: Laborers – 96%, Electricians – 92%, Plasterers – 97%, and Plumbers – 97%.

Since manufacturing output is yet to recover fully from the double hit last year, the contracts ensure that workers won’t face another industry-wide shutdown this year. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers commended the unions in a public announcement.

“I wholeheartedly appreciate the tangible economic advantages, extra safety precautions, and enhanced quality of life these union contracts offer in Hollywood. These dedicated union members significantly enrich our industry daily. I firmly believe these deals will foster a robust and resilient future for cinema, enabling us to keep pushing boundaries, creating, and providing steady, well-compensated jobs.”

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2024-08-02 04:17