After much anticipation and concern, unionized film and TV crew members have successfully ratified a new labor contract with Hollywood studios, avoiding a potential industry work stoppage. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union announced that over 85% of its members voted in favor of the Hollywood Basic Agreement and the accompanying Area Standards Agreement.
This new contract, which covers roughly 45,000 behind-the-scenes workers in Los Angeles and 25,000 more across the U.S., includes significant wage increases, craft-specific adjustments, improved health and pension benefits, enhanced safety provisions, and protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence. Matthew D. Loeb, the union’s international president, emphasized the gains made in the negotiations as a significant advancement for the industry and its workers.
The potential for a strike was looming as the previous contract neared its expiration date, sparking concerns in Hollywood following the recent walkouts by the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America. Thankfully, the union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers were able to reach agreements that both parties deemed beneficial and fair.
While the IATSE has successfully secured its new contract, the Teamsters union, representing nearly 4,000 workers in various trades, is still in negotiations with the studios. The approval of this new labor contract marks a victory for the film and TV industry, ensuring the continuation of well-paid jobs and quality content production for years to come.
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