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The IATSE called for a strike authorization vote on Monday, after the Alliance of Film and Television Producers refused to respond to the union’s latest contract offer.
The union’s 13 locals on the west coast have been negotiating a new three-year collective agreement for several months. The union is looking to tackle long hours, with contract arrangements that would include more breaks and longer turnaround times between production days.
“Today AMPTP informed IATSE that it does not intend to respond to our comprehensive proposal which was presented to it over a week ago,” the union told members. . “This failure to continue negotiating can only be interpreted one way. They simply will not address the fundamental issues that we have championed over and over again from the start. As a result, we will now proceed with a nationwide strike authorization vote to demonstrate our commitment to achieving long-awaited change in this industry. “
The vote, assuming it passes, would strengthen the hand of union negotiators, who are also seeking concessions on issues such as pension funding and healthcare.
The real sticking point seems to be the “quality of life” issues raised by members who are exhausted by 2pm production days and “Fridays” – workdays that start on Fridays and end early on. Saturday morning.
“What we’re working on – it’s crazy, it’s absolutely crazy,” said Katie Sponseller, a production coordinator who said she works 60 hours a week non-stop between jobs to recharge. “I survive on caffeine and artisanal services. “
The union expects to email members on October 1, asking them to vote electronically. The result of the vote would be announced on October 4. This period allows the union to inform its members about the vote.
For each of the 13 locals, 75% of the voting members would have to vote “yes” for that union’s delegates to support the authorization. The vote should be approved by a majority of delegates from all locals.
The 13 locals represent 60,000 members, including grips, hairdressers, makeup artists, boom operators, editors and many other entertainers. Locals 600, 700 and 800 – representing cameramen, editors and artistic directors respectively – are national unions, which means that if they go on strike, their members will quit their posts across the country. The other 10 unions are limited to the Los Angeles area.
The basic three-year deal expired on September 10, but production continued as negotiators continued to discuss. A leave vote doesn’t mean a strike is definitely in sight, but the union is taking a more aggressive stance than it has in recent negotiations.
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