Los Angeles, California – The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) recently reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract with Hollywood’s leading studios and streaming services. This agreement covers 13 West Coast Locals representing around 50,000 crew members. The announcement was made by leaders of the West Coast Locals, who shared the news with members before a joint announcement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the collective bargaining representative for management.
The new contract, which is still subject to a ratification vote, includes wage increases of 7 percent in the first year, 4 percent in the second year, and 3.5 percent in the third year. Additionally, there are provisions for penalties related to long work days, such as increased wages for extended hours and specific benefits for certain types of workers. The negotiation process also addressed concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on various crafts represented by IATSE, with agreements put in place to protect employees from displacement due to AI technology.
In terms of health and pension plans, the deal ensures the fulfillment of necessary funding to sustain these benefits. New funding mechanisms, such as streaming residuals, will contribute to maintaining the strength of these plans. The union leaders expressed gratitude to all participants in the negotiation process and highlighted the collaborative effort that led to a successful agreement.
The agreement is expected to be presented in detail to members in the coming days, with a summary released soon and town halls and webinars scheduled to explain the specifics. The negotiation process, which began in March, was closely watched by industry members concerned about the potential for strikes and job instability. Despite initial fears, the negotiations concluded well ahead of the agreement’s expiration date, bringing relief to crew members still recovering from recent industry challenges.
The successful conclusion of the negotiations reflects a commitment to finding common ground and securing fair conditions for crew members in the industry. With the support of both the union and management, the new contract paves the way for a more stable and productive working environment for all involved.