Greetings to another summer of uncertainties in Hollywood as additional crew union contract negotiations commence.
"We're ready to strike if we need to," states Lindsay Dougherty, main officer of Teamsters Local 399 and chairperson of Hollywood Basic Crafts, in a recent chat with CNN before the commencement of the unions' bargaining sessions with significant studios. Despite this, she mentions, "I don't think the studios will provide us with a solid reason to strike."
Nonetheless, the union aims to "fight for everything we're entitled to" as they've grown "tired of being disrespected."
Even though viewers might not realize it from the plethora of streaming choices they now have, professionals across numerous sectors vital to Hollywood film and TV productions claim their industry is unsteady.
The studios and streamers are producing fewer projects, hence fewer tasks for those based in the entertainment hub. Additionally, many projects are shot outside California and other countries, further reducing local work opportunities.
"These proposals we've been asking for over 50 years, so this battle was inevitable. However, the battle has changed because our members have faced financial difficulties in the past year due to not working — and this is the studios' fault," Dougherty expressed. She explains that "the studios could have stopped that from taking place or prevented a dual strike."
CNN reached out to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the body that represents the studios and streaming services, for comment on the commencement of the Teamsters' and Hollywood Basic Crafts' talks.
The negotiations between the leading Hollywood crew unions – consisting of IATSE, Teamsters Local 399, and Hollywood Basic Crafts – and the AMPTP are slated to end by the end of July, when the existing contracts expire.
Here's a summary of the involved parties, their demands, and potential effects if a strike occurs.
Who are the Teamsters?
Comprising around 5,000 members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters' (IBT) film division, Teamsters Local 399 consists of drivers, dispatchers, DOT administrators, animal trainers, wranglers, mechanics, and location managers. This union holds drivers as their largest group.
What is Hollywood Basic Crafts?
Hollywood Basic Crafts is an alliance of crew unions comprising:
- Teamsters Local 399: Previously mentioned.
- LiUNA! Local 724: Laborers
- IBEW Local 40: Electricians
- OPCMIA Local 755: Plasterers
- UA Local 78: Plumbers
Who is IATSE?
IATSE, or the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, represents nearly 170,000 people working in Hollywood as hair and makeup artists, wardrobe department employees, broadcast techs, designers, animators, AV techs, scenic artists, and more.
Who is the AMPTP?
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) is the entity that represents the major Hollywood studios and streamers in negotiations with the entertainment industry unions and guilds.
When did negotiations begin?
Hollywood Basic Crafts and Teamsters Local 399 negotiations started on June 10.
IATSE initiated the first phase of their negotiations earlier in March. "The negotiations have mostly been productive so far," as per a press release published Friday. However, overall, talks are still in progress.
Basic Crafts, Local 399, and IATSE discuss specific provisions of their respective contracts collectively, although members will vote on each union's respective contract separately.
What do the unions wish for?
Although wages, working circumstances, royalty distribution, pensions, health funds, and job security provisions are all up for discussion, Dougherty emphasizes "additional compensation" for the financial effect the work-stoppage from last year's dual strikes had on members.
Dougherty highlights how the crew member unions aim to be "appropriately compensated for all the hard work they perform on a daily basis."
When may a potential strike begin?
The IATSE, Teamsters Local 399, and Hollywood Basic Crafts' contracts expire on July 31. Without prolonging negotiations past that target date, the unions and AMPTP must agree on a fresh contract to prevent a strike.
What consequences would a strike have for TV show/movie productions?
With Hollywood's contracts expiring on July 31, unextended negotiations could lead to another shutdown, causing widespread delays and impacting countless individuals once more.
What does this mean for consumers? It could mean waiting another year for season 5 of "Stranger Things," slated to stream in 2025 but still in production at the time of a strike, potentially pushing back its release date. Similar circumstances apply to any other project at risk of halting due to a strike.
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Despite the abundance of streaming options, viewers may not realize the financial struggles facing professionals in the entertainment industry. The unemployed workers blame the studios for their financial troubles due to fewer projects and jobs being outsourced.
In a bid to address these challenges, the unions are demanding additional compensation and improved working conditions, including fair wages, job security, and adequate pension and health funds.
