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Members of the International Association of Theatrical Employees voted in favor of a strike authorization, giving the union president the power to shut down film and television production across the country.
The vote passed with 98 percent support and a turnout of 90 percent – a resounding result the union hopes will strengthen its bargaining position.
Talks have stalled between the union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios. The unions have been negotiating a new contract since May and are seeking to address long-standing concerns, including long filming hours, ongoing pay scales and residuals, and the stability of pension and health funds.
“The members have spoken loud and clear,” said Matthew D. Loeb, the international president, in a statement. “This vote concerns the quality of life as well as the health and safety of those who work in the film and television industry. Our people have basic human needs such as time for meal breaks, adequate sleep and a weekend. For those at the bottom of the pay scale, they deserve nothing less than a living wage. “
Loeb now has the power to send 60,000 workers below the line on the picket lines. But first, the union should seek to continue talks with AMPTP. In the statement, Loeb said he informed AMPTP of the result on Monday morning.
“I hope the studios will see and understand the determination of our members,” said Loeb. “The ball is in their backyard. If they want to avoid a strike, they will return to the bargaining table and make us a reasonable offer.”
The union believes the authorization adds to its influence in the negotiations. The timing of any further discussion remains uncertain.
“AMPTP remains committed to reaching an agreement that will allow the industry to continue to operate,” the group said in a statement. “We deeply appreciate our IATSE crew members and are committed to working with them to avoid shutting down the industry at such a crucial time, especially as the industry is still recovering from the economic fallout from the COVID pandemic. -19. Agreement can be reached at the negotiating table, but it will require both sides to work together in good faith with a willingness to compromise and explore new solutions to resolve outstanding issues.
The vote included 13 residents of the West Coast, as well as 23 residents from across the country, including Georgia, Louisiana and New Mexico. All 36 locals voted in favor of the permit, the lowest margin being 96 percent in favor.
The threat of strike action comes as Hollywood has never been so busy, especially on the television side. The sound stages are at or near full capacity, and productions have struggled to find enough workers to keep filming. This has led to burnout and burnout, but the high demand has also emboldened union members.
“I don’t think there has been a better time,” said John Lindley, president of the International Cinematographers Guild. “I’ve never seen the kind of unit we have right now.”
Union members have spoken of fatigue from long production hours for decades. In previous negotiations, studios have agreed to pay for hotel rooms for workers who don’t think they can get home safely. This time, unions are asking for 10 hours between shifts for all workers, as well as 54 hours on weekends. They are also asking for an increase in meal penalties, as a means of forcing productions to stop for lunch.
The vote comes a year after production restarted worldwide under new COVID security protocols. Many members say stopping the pandemic has forced a review of the grueling schedules facing film and television crews.
“Many of our members were working from home during the pandemic,” said Cathy Repola, executive director of the Motion Picture Editors Guild. “They were able to have dinner with their family and friends, not miss so many personal events because they did not have to travel in addition to their long working hours. Now, the idea of going back to a workplace really has that contrast on their face now… it just accelerates this madness again where there is no real work-life balance.
Studios have pushed for a wider use of “French hours,” in which workers can get a shorter workday in exchange for waiving meal penalties and breaks. The union rejected the idea, saying the days would not be shorter for many workers.
However, few members are willing to go on strike.
“No one is enthusiastic about a strike,” said Joe Martinez, IATSE Local 44 member. “We’re more interested in getting certain things right.
A national strike would be the first in the union’s 128-year history.
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