Teamsters secure new contract, avoiding strike and ensuring industry stability

A sigh of relief for Hollywood’s workforce

The​ Teamsters union has ​successfully concluded six‌ weeks of intense negotiations‍ with major studios,⁤ resulting in a tentative agreement that promises stability for the industry. This new deal ⁣mirrors the wage ⁤increases⁤ previously negotiated by IATSE and SAG-AFTRA, offering 7%, 4%, and 3.5% raises over the next three⁣ years. More importantly, it averts another‍ industry shutdown, a significant concern following ​last ‍year’s writers​ and actors strikes.

A challenging‍ negotiation ⁣process

Despite the economic challenges, the union leadership approached ‍the bargaining table with a robust set⁤ of demands. Lindsay Dougherty, the secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 399,⁤ which represents‍ Hollywood drivers, pushed for a double-digit increase in wage minimums. Additionally, ⁤she ‌advocated for a staffing mandate of one driver per truck, a ban on autonomous ⁢vehicles, and strict limits on subcontracting.

As negotiations progressed through June ‌and July, tensions rose. Dougherty publicly stated that the two sides⁤ were “far apart,” ‌and the studios were not ‌taking ​the union’s⁣ demands seriously. The Alliance of Motion Picture and ‍Television Producers ⁣(AMPTP) remained ⁢firm on ⁢several key⁢ issues, leading to heated discussions.

Key issues and compromises

One of the significant sticking points was the⁣ one-driver-per-truck mandate.⁣ On many productions, drivers are‍ responsible for multiple trucks, and the studios‍ were unwilling to agree to⁢ a mandate that would significantly increase costs. the union dropped the staffing and AI ⁢proposals, with the AMPTP assuring that there are no current plans to use driverless ‌trucks. However, ‍the ​topic of AI is ‍expected to resurface in‍ future negotiations as the technology⁣ advances.

Teamsters⁢ Local 399⁤ negotiates its AMPTP contracts⁣ alongside four other “Basic Crafts” bargaining units: electricians, plumbers, plasterers, and laborers. ‌While the⁤ unions could not eliminate subcontracting, they secured advance notice of subcontracting, rather than‍ being​ informed after the fact.

Mixed reactions from union members

The contract, set to expire on July 31, ​ultimately did not ⁢break ‌the wage pattern set by SAG-AFTRA and IATSE. However, it did secure above-pattern ⁤increases for specific classifications, including chef assistants, ‍transportation coordinators, labor foremen, and special equipment‌ operators.

Brian ⁢Bird, a driver, expressed mixed feelings about​ the ⁣deal. “We could have gotten a better deal,⁢ but ⁣at ‌this point, a strike is only going to take more money out​ of our pockets,” he said. “Are we looking to work, or looking to have more months out of work?”

Some members were disappointed ⁢that the contract⁣ did not eliminate the “Class B” rate, a lower rate for driving smaller trucks, despite all drivers needing a Class‍ A license. ⁣John Stone, another driver,‌ emphasized ‌that getting rid of this lower rate was his top priority.​ “That’s how ​you divide Teamsters more — ⁢giving special rates⁤ for different classes,” he said, indicating his inclination to vote “no” on ratification.

Looking ahead

The⁣ deal also includes provisions such as ⁤triple time after 15 hours, similar to those won by IATSE. ⁣Dan Goetz, another driver,‍ expressed support for the contract, calling it the best terms he’s ever ‍seen, though he noted that the 7% first-year increase​ might not keep up with ‌inflation over the past ‍three years.

The ratification vote will close at 3 p.m. Pacific Time on‌ Thursday. While some members are optimistic,⁤ others, like‍ Goetz, ‌remain skeptical about the contract’s‍ impact​ on production levels. “It will never be like it was from 2017-22 ‌again,” he said, recalling a time when⁢ the industry‍ was booming.

As production struggles to rebound from the 2023 ‍strike, many below-the-line workers​ are increasingly concerned about productions ⁢moving to the United Kingdom, Australia, and other locations. Brady Heiser, another Teamster driver, hopes⁤ that influential actors and writers will ​advocate ‍for‌ keeping productions in‍ the U.S.‌ “If they don’t‌ step in and help⁣ us work in this country,⁤ a lot‍ of what we struggle ‍for is for naught,” he said.

Final thoughts

The new contract ‌represents a significant step forward for the Teamsters, ensuring wage increases ⁣and‍ industry ⁢stability. However, the mixed reactions from union members highlight the ongoing challenges ⁢and concerns within the industry. As Hollywood‍ navigates these turbulent times, the ⁣hope is ⁢that ‌this agreement will pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all involved.

For ⁣more information ⁣on the ⁢latest movies and TV ‌series, check out the trailers and details on ⁤ Movie and TV Trailers.