Democrats back workers preparing for historic strike that would shut down Hollywood

OWorm 100 Democratic lawmakers have spoken out in favor of production workers in the entertainment industry preparing to call a strike that would affect an estimated 60,000 workers across the country, in what would be the largest strike since World War II.

Lawmakers, led by Representative Adam Schiff and Senator Alex Padilla, urged the group to negotiate a fair deal with the International Alliance of Theater Employees, reminding them of the important role workers played during the pandemic and warning that a strike could have unintended consequences.

“A strike would significantly disrupt the industry, the economy and the communities we represent,” read Thursday’s letter to the chairman of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. “We hope that the two sides can negotiate in good faith and reach a consensus agreement, which requires the two sides to continue to participate in the ongoing negotiations. We demand that AMPTP negotiate together with these workers to achieve fair contract and meet basic human needs that will allow them to do their jobs safely and with dignity.

SCARLETT JOHANSSON AND DISNEY BLACK WIDOW’S SETTLEMENT

Senators Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, Dianne Feinstein and Elizabeth Warren were among the signatories of the letter which warned that “failure to reach an agreement would threaten not only the livelihoods of these workers, but also their dependent family members. of work in your industry, sending shock waves throughout the US economy and industry. “

“The entertainment that you jointly produce helps heal our nation,” members of Congress told film industry worker leaders, later adding that they “hoped the two sides could negotiate in good faith and achieve a consensus agreement “.

The IATSE demands better pay, fewer hours with longer deadlines and breaks, and fair wages on the productions of streaming services. The current deal allows streaming services with less than 20 million subscribers to pay workers less. If the strike passes, it will affect movies, network TV shows and streaming services Disney +, Hulu and Netflix. The employees of HBO, Starz and Showtime have a different contract.

The story continues

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

A vote on the strike could take place as early as Friday. Seventy-five percent of members must vote “yes” to a strike for it to pass. If he passes, a strike could be ordered as early as Monday.

Some of the Democrats who signed the letter expressed support for similar strikes in the past, with Warren applauding UNITE HERE Local 11 for “fighting for better wages and benefits” in December 2019, when labor disputes resulted in a change of venue before the Sixth Democrat. presidential primaries debate.

Washington Examiner Videos

Key words: News, Hollywood, Strike, Media, Congress, Work, Company, Unions, Adam Schiff, Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer

Original author: Misty severi

Original location: Democrats back workers preparing for historic strike that would shut down Hollywood