After marathon negotiations for days, representatives of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Workers and the studios and entertainment firms that employ them reached the three year contract agreement before the Monday strike deadline. This avoided a major setback for an industry just returning to work after prolonged pandemic shutdowns.
Matthew Loeb, union president, said that “This is a Hollywood ending.” “Our members stood firm.”
Although the workers must still vote for it to be approved, the tentative agreement has ended the strike.
Hollywood rejoiced in the news.
“Thank you @IATSE for standing firm. “And don’t forget that we have your back whenever you need us,” Patton Oswalt, comedian, actor, and writer said via Twitter.
Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted “#UnionStrong!” with a link that leads to a story about the agreement.
Jennifer Garner posted on Instagram, “Congratulations to IATSE brothers/sisters!”
Crews on both long-term productions and daily series, including network talk shows, would have felt the immediate effects of the strike. Short turnaround shows like soap operas would have also felt the immediate effects.
The union includes cinematographers and camera operators, set designers and carpenters, hair and make-up artists, and many other workers.
Union members claim that their previous contracts allowed them to work long hours without any rest and denied them adequate time off and meal breaks. Leaders claimed that the lowest-paid crafts were being paid low wages. Streaming outlets like Amazon, Apple, and Netflix allowed them to work harder for less.
IATSE stated Saturday that the agreement addressed core issues such as reasonable rest periods, meal breaks, a living wage for those at the bottom of pay scale and significant increases in compensation due to be paid new-media companies.
On Oct. 4, the union reported that its members had voted unanimously to authorize a strike. This triggered industry-wide fear. However, talks between IATSE and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers were immediately resumed. The Alliance represents the studios and other entertainment businesses in negotiations.
Loeb stated that they went toe-to-toe with some the most influential entertainment and tech companies around the globe, and reached an agreement with AMPTP that addresses our members’ needs.
Jarryd Gonzales, spokesperson for AMPTP, confirmed that the agreement was reached.
The union stated that negotiations had been productive and set a Monday strike deadline.
It would have been IATSE’s first nationwide strike in its 128-year history.
Octavia Spencer and Mindy Kaling were just a few of the prominent entertainment figures who supported the union’s demands during negotiations. The Directors Guild of America also issued a statement of support, which was signed by Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins and Christopher Nolan.
