Teamsters and Basic Crafts Unions Reach Tentative Deal on New Contract

As a long-time supporter of the Hollywood unions, I am thrilled to hear that the Teamsters and other Basic Crafts unions have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP. After weeks of intense negotiations, it’s a relief to finally see some progress.

I’m part of the supporter team for the Unions including the Teamsters and those in Hollywood’s Basic Crafts. We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve made significant progress towards a new contract agreement with the major studios. This deal, which is yet to be finalized, holds promise for positive developments.

On Friday, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers presented their most advanced proposal to the unions. However, the unions rejected this offer late on Friday and continued negotiating throughout Saturday in an attempt to reach a deal.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news after an exhausting 48-hour marathon of negotiations. Late last night, the Hollywood Basic Crafts Locals reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP. Following intensive discussions throughout the day, our member-led negotiating committees worked diligently and have unanimously recommended this deal to us all.

At the time, no specifics had been disclosed about the deal. Teamsters Local 399 was scheduled to convene a membership gathering on Sunday for more updates.

The labor union requested a significant salary hike of over ten percent, as well as firm guidelines preventing the outsourcing of jobs and the use of autonomous vehicles.

The agreement was reached just three days prior to the contract’s expiration on a Wednesday. The Hollywood Teamsters last went on strike during a three-week standstill back in 1988.

According to an agreement reached with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, which was approved on July 18, we comply.

As a dedicated follower of the industry, I’ve noticed that workers have faced challenging times due to a widespread contraction. We’ve all been eagerly anticipating these agreements to bring clarity and help us bounce back, restoring our production to its former glory.

Approximately 8,000 workers are represented by the Basic Crafts unions in total. This group consists of drivers, animal handlers, location managers, electricians, and laborers. The unions had previously made it clear that they would not renew the contract past its July 31 expiration date.

IATSE and the unions had previously come to an agreement on the matters concerning health and retirement benefits for us in the industry.

Approximately 70,000 IATSE employees are covered under the union’s contract. In the initial year, there is a 7% wage hike, while time and a half is paid for hours worked beyond 15 hours. The contract also includes certain safeguards against the impact of artificial intelligence.

Despite the generally tranquil IATSE negotiations, the Teamsters had consistently voiced their concern that the parties were significantly at odds. On July 14, the union conducted a webinar featuring Lindsay Dougherty, head of Local 399, and Sean O’Brien, the union’s general president.

“Dougherty made it clear in the webinar that the team isn’t aiming for a strike. Instead, they’re advocating for a reasonable agreement for their members. They won’t compromise their principles, though. They won’t succumb to pressure and abandon their priorities, nor will they accept any unfavorable terms.”

2024-07-28 18:32

Teamsters and Basic Crafts Unions Reach Tentative Deal on New Contract

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