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Hollywood unions secure tentative deal with major studios
A breakthrough in negotiations
In a significant development for the entertainment industry, the Teamsters and other Hollywood Basic Crafts unions have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the major studios. This comes after intense negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which had presented a “last, best and final” offer on Friday. The unions countered late Friday night, and after a marathon session, an agreement was reached late Saturday.
“After a long last 48 hours, we are proud to report that ALL Hollywood Basic Crafts Locals have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP late this evening,” the union announced just before midnight on Saturday. “The basic crafts spent today working closely with our member-led negotiating committees to finalize a deal with the AMPTP that we can now say is being unanimously recommended by our member-led bargaining committees.”
Awaiting further details
While the specifics of the agreement have not been disclosed, Teamsters Local 399 is set to hold a membership meeting on Sunday to provide more information. The union had been pushing for a double-digit increase in wages, along with strict protections against subcontracting and driverless trucks.
The deal was reached just four days before the contract was due to expire on Wednesday. The Hollywood Teamsters have not gone on strike since a three-week lockout in 1988, making this agreement particularly significant.
Context and implications
This agreement follows the recent deal with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which was ratified on July 18. Workers across the industry have been grappling with an industry-wide contraction, and these agreements are seen as crucial steps towards resolving uncertainties that have been hindering a return to full production strength.
The Basic Crafts unions represent about 8,000 workers, including drivers, animal wranglers, location managers, electricians, and laborers. The unions had repeatedly warned that they would not extend the contract past the July 31 expiration date.
Health and pension plans settled
The unions had already settled issues related to health and pension plans, which were negotiated jointly with IATSE. IATSE’s contract covers about 70,000 workers and includes 7% increases in the first year, triple time after 15 hours, and some protections from artificial intelligence.
A closer look at the negotiations
Though the IATSE negotiation went relatively smoothly, with few outward signs of tension, the Teamsters had warned repeatedly that the two sides were “far apart.” The union held a webinar on July 14 with Lindsay Dougherty, the head of Local 399, and Sean O’Brien, the general president of the union.
“I want to be clear,” Dougherty said in the webinar. ”We aren’t looking for a strike. We’re fighting for a fair deal for our members. We won’t, however, bargain against ourselves. We won’t be intimidated to take our priorities off the table, and we won’t be taking any concessions.”
Reflections for cinema and TV series enthusiasts
For those passionate about cinema and TV series, this agreement is a beacon of hope. The entertainment industry has been through a tumultuous period, and the resolution of these labor disputes is a step towards stability. With the potential for increased wages and better working conditions, we can expect a more motivated workforce, which could translate into higher quality productions.
Explore more
For those interested in diving deeper into the world of cinema and TV series, here are some trailers and information pages for recent releases:
Insights for music enthusiasts
While this article focuses on the film and TV industry, it’s worth noting that similar labor dynamics can affect the music industry. Musicians and production crews also face challenges related to wages, working conditions, and technological advancements. As we celebrate this tentative agreement in Hollywood, let’s also keep an eye on how these issues unfold in the music world.
Discover new music
For those looking to explore new music, here are some albums and songs worth checking out:
Final thoughts
The tentative agreement between the Hollywood Basic Crafts unions and the AMPTP marks a pivotal moment for the entertainment industry. As we await further details, it’s clear that this deal has the potential to bring much-needed stability and optimism to the workforce. For cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts, this is a moment to celebrate the resilience and determination of those who bring our favorite stories and songs to life.
