IATSE has scheduled an additional three days of bargaining in June in which it hopes to wrap up a tentative agreement with the studios.
The union told members Friday that it has reached “consensus” with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on some issues. But there is still work to do on artificial intelligence, and how best to protect workers whose jobs are displaced by AI.
Under existing agreements, IATSE workers who lose their jobs permanently due to “technological change” are entitled to retraining and severance pay. The new contract is expected to address how that would apply in the case of AI.
The union has said it is not trying to block AI, but it does want to address the many ways it could impact the numerous crafts under its jurisdiction. IATSE represents a broad range of “below the line” workers, from grips and prop masters to costume designers and cinematographers.
The union told members Friday that it has reached “consensus” with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on some issues. But there is still work to do on artificial intelligence, and how best to protect workers whose jobs are displaced by AI.
Under existing agreements, IATSE workers who lose their jobs permanently due to “technological change” are entitled to retraining and severance pay. The new contract is expected to address how that would apply in the case of AI.
The union has said it is not trying to block AI, but it does want to address the many ways it could impact the numerous crafts under its jurisdiction. IATSE represents a broad range of “below the line” workers, from grips and prop masters to costume designers and cinematographers.
- 5/24/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees wrapped up its third week of negotiations with Hollywood’s major studios and streamers on a new Basic Agreement on Thursday, but has yet to reach a deal.
In a message to members on Friday, the union said it expects to add additional bargaining days to the schedule in June. The contract is due to expire on July 31, and the union has repeatedly stated it does not intend to grant an extension.
The Basic Agreement covers 45,000 to 50,000 crew members, largely based in Los Angeles, from 13 local unions. The major issues on the table include funding of the union benefit plans, wage increases, artificial intelligence protections, and safety measures.
“We are working toward setting additional bargaining dates to continue to negotiate the deal our members deserve,” Matt Loeb, the international president of IATSE, said in the message.
Outward signs thus far have indicated that...
In a message to members on Friday, the union said it expects to add additional bargaining days to the schedule in June. The contract is due to expire on July 31, and the union has repeatedly stated it does not intend to grant an extension.
The Basic Agreement covers 45,000 to 50,000 crew members, largely based in Los Angeles, from 13 local unions. The major issues on the table include funding of the union benefit plans, wage increases, artificial intelligence protections, and safety measures.
“We are working toward setting additional bargaining dates to continue to negotiate the deal our members deserve,” Matt Loeb, the international president of IATSE, said in the message.
Outward signs thus far have indicated that...
- 5/17/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Negotiations between IATSE and the AMPTP are expected to go late into the night Thursday as the two sides near a new three-year deal for LA Locals, but they still have some distance left to run.
“It’s looking good, close, but nothing’s sealed up yet,” a studio source close to the talks tells us.
After just over two weeks of direct talks between IATSE and the studios on a new Basic Agreement contract for the members in the City of Angels and surrounding region, job security for members of the Matt Loeb-run union remains a significant sticking point, we hear.
Stung by backlash over the last contract back in 2021 and a much closer-than-desired margin of victory on that deal’s ratification, IATSE leaders are determined this year to bring home a near “bulletproof” agreement, as one union insider put it.
In a multi-talks process among multiple...
“It’s looking good, close, but nothing’s sealed up yet,” a studio source close to the talks tells us.
After just over two weeks of direct talks between IATSE and the studios on a new Basic Agreement contract for the members in the City of Angels and surrounding region, job security for members of the Matt Loeb-run union remains a significant sticking point, we hear.
Stung by backlash over the last contract back in 2021 and a much closer-than-desired margin of victory on that deal’s ratification, IATSE leaders are determined this year to bring home a near “bulletproof” agreement, as one union insider put it.
In a multi-talks process among multiple...
- 5/17/2024
- by Dominic Patten and Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
A veteran crew member was killed early Saturday morning when his SUV left the freeway and flipped over, according to IATSE and the California Highway Patrol.
Rico Priem, 66, was driving home after a 14-hour day on the set of the ABC series “9-1-1” when the crash occurred, according to his union.
Priem was heading north on the 57 Freeway at Via Verde Drive in San Dimas, when his Toyota Highlander left the road, went up an embankment, and flipped onto its roof, according to the Chp. The crash was reported at 4:27 a.m.
The SUV came to rest in the right lane on its roof. Priem was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
“Everyone in the Ia family is shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” Matt Loeb, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, said in a statement.
Rico Priem, 66, was driving home after a 14-hour day on the set of the ABC series “9-1-1” when the crash occurred, according to his union.
Priem was heading north on the 57 Freeway at Via Verde Drive in San Dimas, when his Toyota Highlander left the road, went up an embankment, and flipped onto its roof, according to the Chp. The crash was reported at 4:27 a.m.
The SUV came to rest in the right lane on its roof. Priem was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
“Everyone in the Ia family is shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” Matt Loeb, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, said in a statement.
- 5/13/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
After two months at the bargaining table, IATSE and the major studios have begun talking about one of the key hurdles to getting a new contract: artificial intelligence.
The union is seeking to ensure that the adoption of AI will not displace jobs. In an update to members on Friday evening, the union advised that the two sides are “constructively engaging” on the issue, as well as on wages and other working conditions.
Talks on the Basic Agreement, which covers 45,000-50,000 crew workers, began last week and are scheduled to run through next Thursday. At that point, it may become clearer whether a deal can be reached without resort to a strike authorization.
“The goal of these negotiations is to ensure that our contracts keep pace with the rapid evolution of the entertainment industry,” Matt Loeb, IATSE’s international president, said in the update. “In many cases, the language in...
The union is seeking to ensure that the adoption of AI will not displace jobs. In an update to members on Friday evening, the union advised that the two sides are “constructively engaging” on the issue, as well as on wages and other working conditions.
Talks on the Basic Agreement, which covers 45,000-50,000 crew workers, began last week and are scheduled to run through next Thursday. At that point, it may become clearer whether a deal can be reached without resort to a strike authorization.
“The goal of these negotiations is to ensure that our contracts keep pace with the rapid evolution of the entertainment industry,” Matt Loeb, IATSE’s international president, said in the update. “In many cases, the language in...
- 5/11/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA, IATSE the WGA, and the DGA have united behind a legislative move to put up some new and slightly punitive guardrails around Artificial Intelligence.
“Everything generated by AI ultimately originates from a human creative source, says Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, of a new bill proposed today by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-ca). “That’s why human creative content—intellectual property—must be protected. SAG-AFTRA fully supports the Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act, as this legislation is an important step in ensuring technology serves people and not the other way around.”
Deep into his race to be California’s new junior Senator, Schiff introduced the Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act into the 118th Congress (read it here) Tuesday. If passed by the House and Senate and signed by President Joe Biden, the succinct act would require companies and corporations that use copyrighted works in the...
“Everything generated by AI ultimately originates from a human creative source, says Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, of a new bill proposed today by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-ca). “That’s why human creative content—intellectual property—must be protected. SAG-AFTRA fully supports the Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act, as this legislation is an important step in ensuring technology serves people and not the other way around.”
Deep into his race to be California’s new junior Senator, Schiff introduced the Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act into the 118th Congress (read it here) Tuesday. If passed by the House and Senate and signed by President Joe Biden, the succinct act would require companies and corporations that use copyrighted works in the...
- 4/9/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Back at the bargaining table with the studios this week after several days of caucusing, IATSE on Tuesday laid out its plans for the next phase of talks as a contract-expiration date inched closer for a tense Hollywood.
“Following a caucus week, negotiations between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) resumed Monday, with talks entering a new phase where each of IATSE’s 13 West Coast Studio Locals (Wcsl) individually negotiate their Locals’ craft specific issues with the studios,” the Matt Loeb-led union said today in its first official missive since talks started up. “This phase of the process is expected to last from March 18 to April 26.”
The current IATSE contracts expire July 31.
With strike-exhausted executives and cautiously optimistic union brass aware of the very real possibility of another summer of labor actions if talks blow up, the...
“Following a caucus week, negotiations between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) resumed Monday, with talks entering a new phase where each of IATSE’s 13 West Coast Studio Locals (Wcsl) individually negotiate their Locals’ craft specific issues with the studios,” the Matt Loeb-led union said today in its first official missive since talks started up. “This phase of the process is expected to last from March 18 to April 26.”
The current IATSE contracts expire July 31.
With strike-exhausted executives and cautiously optimistic union brass aware of the very real possibility of another summer of labor actions if talks blow up, the...
- 3/19/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
A coalition of Hollywood’s below-the-line unions rallied Sunday on the eve of their latest contract negotiations. They threatened a historic strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers if their demands weren’t met. Such a work stoppage would follow a pair of strikes in 2023 by industry writers and actors that crippled the entertainment industry and have left it limping into the new year.
“I hope they’re paying attention right down the road at the AMPTP,” IATSE vp Michael Miller announced from the stage to the crowd of around 1,000 people at Woodley Park in Encino. (Nearly 1,000 more watched a livestream online.) He then invoked a slogan repeated throughout the event: “Nothing moves without the crew.”
For the first time since 1988, the Hollywood Basic Crafts group — which includes Teamsters Local 399, Ibew Local 40, LiUNA! Local 724, Opcmia Local 755 and UA Local 78 — and the crew union IATSE are joining this...
“I hope they’re paying attention right down the road at the AMPTP,” IATSE vp Michael Miller announced from the stage to the crowd of around 1,000 people at Woodley Park in Encino. (Nearly 1,000 more watched a livestream online.) He then invoked a slogan repeated throughout the event: “Nothing moves without the crew.”
For the first time since 1988, the Hollywood Basic Crafts group — which includes Teamsters Local 399, Ibew Local 40, LiUNA! Local 724, Opcmia Local 755 and UA Local 78 — and the crew union IATSE are joining this...
- 3/3/2024
- by Gary Baum and Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In many ways, longtime International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees president Matthew Loeb is the personification of that Teddy Roosevelt adage of “speak softly, and carry a big stick” …well, maybe except for the speak softly part.
“From where I sit, this is really about security in an industry that is precarious already,” Loeb states of the upcoming talks starting March 4 with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on new three-year agreements. “A strike vote is always possible and I can’t rule it out,” the veteran union leader adds of the stakes involved for his members and the latest contract talks.
Heading into joint negotiations with studios with the Lindsay Dougherty-led Hollywood Teamsters and other crafts on Monday, Loeb arrived in LA earlier this week for last minute preparations with his team and other leaders. Fittingly, with support from all the other Guilds, Loeb also came...
“From where I sit, this is really about security in an industry that is precarious already,” Loeb states of the upcoming talks starting March 4 with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on new three-year agreements. “A strike vote is always possible and I can’t rule it out,” the veteran union leader adds of the stakes involved for his members and the latest contract talks.
Heading into joint negotiations with studios with the Lindsay Dougherty-led Hollywood Teamsters and other crafts on Monday, Loeb arrived in LA earlier this week for last minute preparations with his team and other leaders. Fittingly, with support from all the other Guilds, Loeb also came...
- 3/2/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood’s top crew unions have announced that they will be bargaining their health and pension benefits together at the outset of their 2024 labor negotiations with studios and streamers.
IATSE and the Hollywood Basic Crafts coalition (which includes Teamsters Local 399) announced on Wednesday that they will jointly negotiate their Motion Picture Pension and Health Plan proposals with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers this year. Multiple sources have told The Hollywood Reporter that these talks will begin March 4, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Though the unions share health and pension plans, they haven’t come together to bargain changes to those plans since 1988, per the labor organizations. In recent years, the Teamsters and the Hollywood Basic Crafts have negotiated their benefits after IATSE bargained its Basic and Area Standards Agreements.
Following these joint benefit talks in 2024, IATSE will continue with negotiations for its Basic Agreement, covering 13 Hollywood Locals,...
IATSE and the Hollywood Basic Crafts coalition (which includes Teamsters Local 399) announced on Wednesday that they will jointly negotiate their Motion Picture Pension and Health Plan proposals with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers this year. Multiple sources have told The Hollywood Reporter that these talks will begin March 4, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Though the unions share health and pension plans, they haven’t come together to bargain changes to those plans since 1988, per the labor organizations. In recent years, the Teamsters and the Hollywood Basic Crafts have negotiated their benefits after IATSE bargained its Basic and Area Standards Agreements.
Following these joint benefit talks in 2024, IATSE will continue with negotiations for its Basic Agreement, covering 13 Hollywood Locals,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
(Updated with Cassian Elwes statement) Green Book producer Nick Vallelonga has gone off route when it comes to paying dozens of crew members on the upcoming That’s Amore! starring John Travolta, Katherine Heigl, Christopher Walken, Talia Shire and Drea de Mateo.
According to a complaint filed in federal court in New York on Dec. 8 by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, double Oscar winner Vallelonga’s That Amore Movie LLC has reneged on an arbitration deal struck between the parties on August 18 this year to pay union members for work performed in 2022 on the upcoming rom-com. The 77 IATSE members specifically affected performed the duties of “cinematographer, camera operator, camera assistant, editor, costume designer, wardrobe supervisor, hair and make-up stylists, production designer, art director, scenic artist, electrician, grip, construction, script supervisor, production coordinator, and accountant,” says the Matt Loeb-led union in the eight-page filing.
“Defendant failed to timely pay...
According to a complaint filed in federal court in New York on Dec. 8 by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, double Oscar winner Vallelonga’s That Amore Movie LLC has reneged on an arbitration deal struck between the parties on August 18 this year to pay union members for work performed in 2022 on the upcoming rom-com. The 77 IATSE members specifically affected performed the duties of “cinematographer, camera operator, camera assistant, editor, costume designer, wardrobe supervisor, hair and make-up stylists, production designer, art director, scenic artist, electrician, grip, construction, script supervisor, production coordinator, and accountant,” says the Matt Loeb-led union in the eight-page filing.
“Defendant failed to timely pay...
- 12/15/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
IATSE has taken the rare step of suing the producers of “That’s Amore,” alleging that the production has failed to pay $570,000 in wages to 77 union workers.
“That’s Amore” is a romantic comedy starring John Travolta and Katherine Heigl, which is written and directed by Nick Vallelonga, who won two Oscars for “Green Book.” The producers announced last month that they were finally getting off the ground.
But according to the union, production actually began more than a year ago, in September 2022. However, the producers ran out of money and shut down the show in November 2022, leaving dozens of crew members without paychecks, the union alleges.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees brought a grievance, and ultimately reached a settlement in July, according to the lawsuit. Under the terms, the production was supposed to pay everyone in full by Oct. 17 — but has failed to do so, the suit alleges.
“That’s Amore” is a romantic comedy starring John Travolta and Katherine Heigl, which is written and directed by Nick Vallelonga, who won two Oscars for “Green Book.” The producers announced last month that they were finally getting off the ground.
But according to the union, production actually began more than a year ago, in September 2022. However, the producers ran out of money and shut down the show in November 2022, leaving dozens of crew members without paychecks, the union alleges.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees brought a grievance, and ultimately reached a settlement in July, according to the lawsuit. Under the terms, the production was supposed to pay everyone in full by Oct. 17 — but has failed to do so, the suit alleges.
- 12/15/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Chuck Parker, national executive director of the Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800, said that “it has become frighteningly apparent” that below-the-line workers are “bearing the brunt” of the ongoing strikes by actors and writers. He is reminding his members that help is available for those struggling to maintain their union health coverage and to make ends meet.
“I understand that most of you are frustrated by the condition that our Industry is currently in,” he wrote in an email to members on Friday. “Both the writers’ and actors’ strikes have brought our industry to its knees. I also realize that many of you have passed the point of frustration and find yourselves in despair, and for some, borderline desperation.
“While the writers and actors have the right to strike over what they feel (and have consistently communicated that) they deserve, they also feel that the employer is not engaging with them in a meaningful way.
“I understand that most of you are frustrated by the condition that our Industry is currently in,” he wrote in an email to members on Friday. “Both the writers’ and actors’ strikes have brought our industry to its knees. I also realize that many of you have passed the point of frustration and find yourselves in despair, and for some, borderline desperation.
“While the writers and actors have the right to strike over what they feel (and have consistently communicated that) they deserve, they also feel that the employer is not engaging with them in a meaningful way.
- 9/2/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Visual effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures are seeking to unionize with IATSE, which says that a supermajority of the 18 in-house VFX crewmembers employed there have signed cards with the National Labor Relations Board seeking to be represented by the union. Walt Disney Pictures is a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios.
IATSE, which called it an “historic move,” noted that this is the second time this month that VFX workers at a major company have voted to unionize. On August 7, more than 50 VFX workers at Marvel Studios filed for a similar unionization election.
“The determination of these VFX workers is not just commendable, it’s groundbreaking,” said IATSE President Matt Loeb. “Their collective action against the status quo represents a seismic shift in this critical moment in our industry. The chorus of voices demanding change is unprecedented and demonstrates our united movement is not about any one company but about setting a precedent of dignity,...
IATSE, which called it an “historic move,” noted that this is the second time this month that VFX workers at a major company have voted to unionize. On August 7, more than 50 VFX workers at Marvel Studios filed for a similar unionization election.
“The determination of these VFX workers is not just commendable, it’s groundbreaking,” said IATSE President Matt Loeb. “Their collective action against the status quo represents a seismic shift in this critical moment in our industry. The chorus of voices demanding change is unprecedented and demonstrates our united movement is not about any one company but about setting a precedent of dignity,...
- 8/28/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild introduced new demands on Friday that could prolong the three-month strike even longer.
The demands include a point that the companies agree to “a health care benefit extension” that would give striking writers more time to qualify for the health coverage that many face losing because of a lack of earnings during the work-stoppage.
Friday’s meeting was held to discuss terms for a possible return to the bargaining table. But instead of bringing them closer to a deal to end the strike, it may have only moved them farther apart.
Under the old contract, writers had to earn at least $41,773 a year to qualify for health care coverage. But with three-months – and counting – of earnings already lost because of the strike, writers will have less time to attain that earnings threshold once the strike is over.
Related: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Says She’s Ready...
The demands include a point that the companies agree to “a health care benefit extension” that would give striking writers more time to qualify for the health coverage that many face losing because of a lack of earnings during the work-stoppage.
Friday’s meeting was held to discuss terms for a possible return to the bargaining table. But instead of bringing them closer to a deal to end the strike, it may have only moved them farther apart.
Under the old contract, writers had to earn at least $41,773 a year to qualify for health care coverage. But with three-months – and counting – of earnings already lost because of the strike, writers will have less time to attain that earnings threshold once the strike is over.
Related: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Says She’s Ready...
- 8/5/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Cathy Repola, national executive director of the Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700, has been reappointed to the board of directors of the Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans, which cover members of IATSE and several other below-the-line unions.
Her reappointment comes after a very public falling out with IATSE President Matt Loeb back in 2018, when he unceremoniously booted off the P&h Plans’ board after she was the only IATSE local leader to oppose the ratification of the union’s film and TV contract.
Two weeks after her return to the board on June 16, David Asplaud, the P&h Plans’ chief executive officer, sent IATSE local business agents a letter informing them that the Plans would be easing the requirements that their members need to qualify for health coverage in order “to help participants and dependents affected by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.” Read that letter here.
Normally,...
Her reappointment comes after a very public falling out with IATSE President Matt Loeb back in 2018, when he unceremoniously booted off the P&h Plans’ board after she was the only IATSE local leader to oppose the ratification of the union’s film and TV contract.
Two weeks after her return to the board on June 16, David Asplaud, the P&h Plans’ chief executive officer, sent IATSE local business agents a letter informing them that the Plans would be easing the requirements that their members need to qualify for health coverage in order “to help participants and dependents affected by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.” Read that letter here.
Normally,...
- 8/3/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
A majority of some 5,000 freelance TV commercial production workers, organizing under the banner of the grassroots “Stand With Production” movement, have signed authorization cards certifying that they wish to unionize with IATSE. According to IATSE, the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) has agreed to voluntarily recognize them as a group for the purposes of collective bargaining.
“From the beginning, the Stand With Production movement has been about finding a way to open a dialogue with the powers that be and codify those solutions into written agreements,” said IATSE President Matt Loeb. “That will now become a reality for thousands of workers.”
The organizing workers include an estimated 5,000 TV commercial production assistants, line producers, production supervisors, assistant production supervisors and bidding producers. IATSE also announced that it plans to charter a new national Local Union for them.
“These workers came together to address low pay, unsustainable hours, lack of reasonable rest,...
“From the beginning, the Stand With Production movement has been about finding a way to open a dialogue with the powers that be and codify those solutions into written agreements,” said IATSE President Matt Loeb. “That will now become a reality for thousands of workers.”
The organizing workers include an estimated 5,000 TV commercial production assistants, line producers, production supervisors, assistant production supervisors and bidding producers. IATSE also announced that it plans to charter a new national Local Union for them.
“These workers came together to address low pay, unsustainable hours, lack of reasonable rest,...
- 7/25/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
IATSE President Matt Loeb is calling on the studios to provide health care benefits to below-the line workers who might lose them if they fall short of qualifying during the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild strikes, as the companies did during the Covid pandemic.
The SAG-AFTRA strike started today, and the WGA strike is in its 74th day – long enough for many crewmembers to face the prospect of losing their health coverage in the days to come.
In the early days of the pandemic, the Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plan (Mpiphp), which covers below-the line workers, granted an extension of health benefits to out-of-work crewmembers by granting them up to 300 of the 400 hours they needed to qualify for health coverage.
Back then, Mpiphp amended its qualifying rules for active participants who had at least 100 hours worked or banked. “If you are in this group and have met the minimum number of hours,...
The SAG-AFTRA strike started today, and the WGA strike is in its 74th day – long enough for many crewmembers to face the prospect of losing their health coverage in the days to come.
In the early days of the pandemic, the Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plan (Mpiphp), which covers below-the line workers, granted an extension of health benefits to out-of-work crewmembers by granting them up to 300 of the 400 hours they needed to qualify for health coverage.
Back then, Mpiphp amended its qualifying rules for active participants who had at least 100 hours worked or banked. “If you are in this group and have met the minimum number of hours,...
- 7/14/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
As the ongoing writers strike continues to shut down film and television productions, major crew union IATSE is contributing $2 million in funds to aid members who are taking a financial hit.
The union’s general executive board has unanimously approved this contribution to be divided among three top industry charities — the Motion Picture & Television Fund, The Entertainment Community Fund and the Actors Fund of Canada — IATSE announced on Thursday. The donations are specifically designated for IATSE members in need; the over 168,000-member union represents a broad swath of crew members, from grips to sound editors to costumers.
“For those who are struggling, you are not alone, the 170,000 kin of our Alliance are with you, and help is available,” IATSE international president Matt Loeb said in a statement. “We trust these proven industry charities to deliver this much-needed support directly to IATSE members who need it most, and we will...
The union’s general executive board has unanimously approved this contribution to be divided among three top industry charities — the Motion Picture & Television Fund, The Entertainment Community Fund and the Actors Fund of Canada — IATSE announced on Thursday. The donations are specifically designated for IATSE members in need; the over 168,000-member union represents a broad swath of crew members, from grips to sound editors to costumers.
“For those who are struggling, you are not alone, the 170,000 kin of our Alliance are with you, and help is available,” IATSE international president Matt Loeb said in a statement. “We trust these proven industry charities to deliver this much-needed support directly to IATSE members who need it most, and we will...
- 6/9/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Leguizamo, Busy Philipps, Tony Kushner, Neil Gaiman, Al Franken and Wanda Sykes were among those who took to the stage during WGA East’s Rally at 30 Rockefeller Center on Tuesday, appearing alongside union leaders from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, Actor’s Equity and more pledging that “all of labor stands behind the writers.”
Cynthia Nixon, Ilana Glazer, Warren Leight and labor leaders Rebecca Damon from SAG-AFTRA, Kate Shindle of Actors Equity and Matt Loeb of IATSE were also among those who spoke, with Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon making crowd appearances.
Both of those actors’ messages of solidarity were more prominently shared on social media as Ruffalo encouraged SAG members to vote yes on the strike authorization and stand in solidarity with the WGA if they are concerned about “AI protections, and the future of television and entertainment.” Sarandon, meanwhile, tweeted, “NYC is a Union town. Stronger Together!!!” alongside of video of the rally.
Cynthia Nixon, Ilana Glazer, Warren Leight and labor leaders Rebecca Damon from SAG-AFTRA, Kate Shindle of Actors Equity and Matt Loeb of IATSE were also among those who spoke, with Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon making crowd appearances.
Both of those actors’ messages of solidarity were more prominently shared on social media as Ruffalo encouraged SAG members to vote yes on the strike authorization and stand in solidarity with the WGA if they are concerned about “AI protections, and the future of television and entertainment.” Sarandon, meanwhile, tweeted, “NYC is a Union town. Stronger Together!!!” alongside of video of the rally.
- 5/23/2023
- by Abbey White and Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On the eve of a threatened writers’ strike, SAG-AFTRA is advising its members that they should “continue to work” in the event of a writers’ strike, which could come as soon as Monday night at midnight.
Contract talks between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have wrapped for the night, but they’ll resume tomorrow.
A statement SAG-AFTRA put out to its members tonight asks: “If the WGA goes on strike and I am required to show up to work, should I refuse to cross a picket line as a SAG-AFTRA member?”
Related: IATSE President Matt Loeb Tells Members They Have “Legal Right” To Honor WGA Picket Lines In Event Of A Strike
The answer, SAG-AFTRA says, is: “If you are contracted to work on a project that continues production while the WGA is on strike, you are legally obligated to continue working by your...
Contract talks between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have wrapped for the night, but they’ll resume tomorrow.
A statement SAG-AFTRA put out to its members tonight asks: “If the WGA goes on strike and I am required to show up to work, should I refuse to cross a picket line as a SAG-AFTRA member?”
Related: IATSE President Matt Loeb Tells Members They Have “Legal Right” To Honor WGA Picket Lines In Event Of A Strike
The answer, SAG-AFTRA says, is: “If you are contracted to work on a project that continues production while the WGA is on strike, you are legally obligated to continue working by your...
- 5/1/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: As the deadline approaches to avert a threatened writers strike, IATSE President Matt Loeb has told leaders of his locals that it’s probably going to be do-or-die when the WGA’s current contract expires Monday night at midnight Pt and that “he doubts an extension is in the cards.”
That assessment was provided to his members by Chuck Parker, national executive director of the Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800, who attended a meeting today with Loeb and other union brass.
Even so, Loeb reportedly told his team that “there was presently no new, or known, information about the status of the negotiations” between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which began March 20.
Related: WGA Reviews & Counters Latest AMPTP Offer As Potential Strike Deadline Moves Closer
Loeb also told his team that he expects to have conversations between now and Tuesday with Ellen Stutzman,...
That assessment was provided to his members by Chuck Parker, national executive director of the Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800, who attended a meeting today with Loeb and other union brass.
Even so, Loeb reportedly told his team that “there was presently no new, or known, information about the status of the negotiations” between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which began March 20.
Related: WGA Reviews & Counters Latest AMPTP Offer As Potential Strike Deadline Moves Closer
Loeb also told his team that he expects to have conversations between now and Tuesday with Ellen Stutzman,...
- 4/29/2023
- by David Robb and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In the event of a strike by the Writers Guild, IATSE members working on struck shows have the “legal right” to honor the guild’s picket lines, though they might be replaced temporarily by non-union workers, according to IATSE president Matthew Loeb.
With both sides talking and exchanging proposals, a writers strike still could come as soon as Monday night at midnight Pt unless the WGA reaches an agreement for a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
“Unless prohibited by contract, employees have a legal right to honor a lawful picket line,” Loeb said in a message sent to his U.S.-based members Friday, noting that none of IATSE’s various contracts “expressly prohibit IATSE-represented employees from doing so. Employers are generally prohibited from terminating employees exercising their legal right to honor a picket line. However, employers may temporarily replace such workers with...
With both sides talking and exchanging proposals, a writers strike still could come as soon as Monday night at midnight Pt unless the WGA reaches an agreement for a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
“Unless prohibited by contract, employees have a legal right to honor a lawful picket line,” Loeb said in a message sent to his U.S.-based members Friday, noting that none of IATSE’s various contracts “expressly prohibit IATSE-represented employees from doing so. Employers are generally prohibited from terminating employees exercising their legal right to honor a picket line. However, employers may temporarily replace such workers with...
- 4/28/2023
- by David Robb and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
IATSE has joined SAG-AFTRA and the DGA in support of the Writers Guild in its ongoing negotiations for a new film and TV contract.
On Saturday, SAG-AFTRA’s national board voted unanimously to “strongly” support the WGA, followed by the DGA on Monday. The WGA’s current contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers expires Monday at midnight Pt.
“IATSE supports the workers represented by the Writers Guild of America West and the Writers Guild of America East in their collective fight to win a fair contract,” IATSE president Matt Loeb said in a statement. “The motion picture and television industry thrives on the creativity, skill, and labor of every worker involved, and writers’ contributions are an important part of the success of the films, television shows, and other media IATSE members work on.
“We recognize and support our fellow entertainment workers in their mission to negotiate...
On Saturday, SAG-AFTRA’s national board voted unanimously to “strongly” support the WGA, followed by the DGA on Monday. The WGA’s current contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers expires Monday at midnight Pt.
“IATSE supports the workers represented by the Writers Guild of America West and the Writers Guild of America East in their collective fight to win a fair contract,” IATSE president Matt Loeb said in a statement. “The motion picture and television industry thrives on the creativity, skill, and labor of every worker involved, and writers’ contributions are an important part of the success of the films, television shows, and other media IATSE members work on.
“We recognize and support our fellow entertainment workers in their mission to negotiate...
- 4/25/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Hundreds of IATSE members and their supporters marched in Philadelphia today to the offices of Senator Pat Toomey (R-pa) to demand that he support the Heroes Act, which would extend the $600 weekly federal unemployment benefit through the end of the year for those thrown out of work by the Covid-19 pandemic. The march was spearheaded by IATSE Stagehands Local 8 in Philadelphia.
See Local 8’s video of the rally below.
The $600 weekly federal unemployment benefit that millions of unemployed workers across the country had been receiving expired earlier this month. In its place, President Trump has issued an executive order that would cut the federal subsidy by half. IATSE president Matt Loeb recently called on the Senate to “begin negotiations on the House-passed Heroes Act which will provide the federal relief that working families across the country require.”
This is what happens when Washington ignores the plight of unemployed entertainment workers and their families.
See Local 8’s video of the rally below.
The $600 weekly federal unemployment benefit that millions of unemployed workers across the country had been receiving expired earlier this month. In its place, President Trump has issued an executive order that would cut the federal subsidy by half. IATSE president Matt Loeb recently called on the Senate to “begin negotiations on the House-passed Heroes Act which will provide the federal relief that working families across the country require.”
This is what happens when Washington ignores the plight of unemployed entertainment workers and their families.
- 8/13/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
As the wave of film and TV production shutdowns over the coronavirus pandemic is starting to subside, their staggering impact on below-the-line workers is starting to emerge. IATSE reported Tuesday that the Covid-19-related production suspensions snd event cancellations have resulted in the loss of 120,000 jobs held by its 150,000 members. A large number of those affected work in Hollywood production but IATSE also covers live events, conventions and all people-facing businesses that have been hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak.
Also on Tuesday, the IATSE General Executive Board approved $2.5 million in donations to three entertainment charities, the Actors Fund, the Motion Picture and Television Fund, and the Actors Fund of Canada, which IATSE president Matt Loeb said “are perfectly situated to act as our partners to help those experiencing hardship caused by the current health crisis.”
The studios are still formulating their response to the sudden loss of employment for...
Also on Tuesday, the IATSE General Executive Board approved $2.5 million in donations to three entertainment charities, the Actors Fund, the Motion Picture and Television Fund, and the Actors Fund of Canada, which IATSE president Matt Loeb said “are perfectly situated to act as our partners to help those experiencing hardship caused by the current health crisis.”
The studios are still formulating their response to the sudden loss of employment for...
- 3/17/2020
- by David Robb and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Iatse has reached a tentative agreement for a new four-year “Pink Contract” covering behind-the-scenes workers employed on Broadway and in national touring productions. The union reached the deal after several months of bargaining with the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions – also known as Disney On Broadway.
“The tentative agreement is quite broad and has gains for all of the various crafts and jurisdictions that fall under the agreement,” said Iatse president Matt Loeb. “The negotiations committee that encompassed both Broadway and Touring technicians, and represented the various crafts such as stagehands, wardrobe, and hair and makeup, helped craft this agreement to address the broad scope of issues and concerns of the various members and their crafts.”
According to the union, the new contract will also see “increased wage rates and benefits, clarification on prop supervisors representation on Broadway, updated conditions, and in the final year of the agreement, compensation...
“The tentative agreement is quite broad and has gains for all of the various crafts and jurisdictions that fall under the agreement,” said Iatse president Matt Loeb. “The negotiations committee that encompassed both Broadway and Touring technicians, and represented the various crafts such as stagehands, wardrobe, and hair and makeup, helped craft this agreement to address the broad scope of issues and concerns of the various members and their crafts.”
According to the union, the new contract will also see “increased wage rates and benefits, clarification on prop supervisors representation on Broadway, updated conditions, and in the final year of the agreement, compensation...
- 3/3/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
In a year-end message to her members, Cathy Repola, national executive director of Editors Guild Local 700, said that Iatse president Matt Loeb “had no interest in any input from me” during the union’s recent negotiations for a new film and TV contract.
“He was not interested in what I had to say and was completely unwilling to have a conversation with me about the negotiation issues that were so deeply important to the livelihoods of our members,” she wrote. Citing 2018 as “a year of great awakening for our guild,” she recalled how her members stood ready to strike for shorter workdays and more funding for their pension plan – only to have their demands ignored by Loeb.
“When we held our special membership meetings in late July to discuss the ongoing negotiations,” she told her members, “you showed up en masse. After hearing the details, you sent me away from...
“He was not interested in what I had to say and was completely unwilling to have a conversation with me about the negotiation issues that were so deeply important to the livelihoods of our members,” she wrote. Citing 2018 as “a year of great awakening for our guild,” she recalled how her members stood ready to strike for shorter workdays and more funding for their pension plan – only to have their demands ignored by Loeb.
“When we held our special membership meetings in late July to discuss the ongoing negotiations,” she told her members, “you showed up en masse. After hearing the details, you sent me away from...
- 12/27/2018
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
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