On Wednesday, the union that represents some 60,000 film and television workers set a strike deadline of Monday at 12:01 a.m., putting pressure on producers to get a deal done and avoid shutdown of many Hollywood films and television shows, many of which are filmed in the Antelope Valley.
Matthew Loeb, the president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), announced that unless an agreement is reached, union members will begin a nationwide strike against the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP) on Monday.
Loeb said the union will continue bargaining with the producers this week to reach agreements that address core issues, such as reasonable rest periods, meal breaks, and a living wage for those on the bottom of the wage scale. Loeb said the pace of bargaining doesn’t reflect “any sense of urgency” by AMPTP.
IATSE members who work in television and film production at 36 IATSE local unions across the country—including 13 on the West Coast—voted over the weekend of Oct. 1-3 to authorize the union’s president to call a strike if contract talks didn’t result in a new contract for the 60,000 film and television workers.
The union represents “below the line” workers such as production and department coordinators, writers’ assistants, cinematographers, costumers, grips, script supervisors, technicians, designers and others.
Earlier this month, Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28), and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California), joined with 118 U.S. senators and House members in sending a letter to the AMPTP, urging the association to negotiate collaboratively and in good faith.
