Late Saturday, the Hollywood crew union reached an agreement with the studios.
This deal was able to secure many IATSE demands such as longer rest periods and higher salaries.
To avoid a strike Monday, IATSE members must ratify the terms of the agreement before Sunday.
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The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers reached a deal Saturday to avoid a strike by industry workers.
Leaders of Hollywood's 13 local unions stated that "All things were possible because you, the members stood up and gave the power to alter the course of these negotiations," in a statement to members. "Our solidarity at the leadership as well as rank and file levels was the main reason that no local was left behind, and that every priority was addressed."
Matthew Loeb, President of IATSE International, said that "this is a Hollywood ending." "Our members stood firm. They are strong and united.
The three-year contract that was proposed, which would be applicable to 40,000 union members, contained the following:
Living wage achieved
Streaming has improved wages and working conditions
Retroactive wage increases of 3% each year
Employer-funded term benefits
Penalties for exceeding the meal period, including the prevailing rate
Daily reest periods of ten hours without exceptions
Weekend rest periods of between 54 and 32 hours
Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as a holiday
Initiatives for diversity, equity and inclusion
IATSE said that the local authorities will update members with more details in the coming days.
Variety reports that the unions held 11-hour virtual marathon meetings on Friday. AMPTP President Carol Lombardini addressed details about working conditions in the industry. Lombardini was able to reach an agreement with Loeb on several fronts. They also understood the impact that a strike by crew members would have on the industry, which is recovering from COVID-19 shutdowns.
Variety was also informed by industry sources that Walt Disney Television chief Peter Rice was present at the meeting to help bridge the divide between the parties.
After multiple reports of unsafe working conditions spreading via social media, IATSE union members have advocated for longer rest breaks and higher wages for lower-paid craft. This has been supported by actors, directors, writers, and others in the industry.
The industry and IATSE union members were cautiously optimistic about Saturday's agreement. Many praised the efforts of the union in the past weeks and some said they expected more from negotiations.
"Just confirmed with an IATSE Member that they received an email form their Local confirming that a deal had been done!" Liz Hsiao Lan Alper, co-founder of #PayUpHollywood, tweeted the news. "IATSE members: I hope you get all you deserve.
"I'm excited if IATSE member are excited," tweeted actress Yvette Nicole Brown. "This could be their new contract. They decide if the offer is right for them.
Patton Oswalt tweeted, "Good for IATSE because you stood your ground." "And remember, we are always there for you #IASolidarity."
Insider was told by Matt Schouten (a digital imaging technician at IATSE's 600 local IATSE), that he is still trying to understand his feelings about the matter. "At the very least, some of what they're mentioning seems quite basic. Many members expected more from the negotiations. Although I am aware that there are some people who have expressed concerns, it is encouraging to see that they are making progress."
Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List and prominent voice for Hollywood equity, captured some of this concern in a tweet. He tweeted about the deal and said, "Fascinating leadership is hanging a Mission Accomplished banner and so many members have leapt in my mentions, to assert that they don't like this deal." It is truly amazing to see how representative they are of rank and file.
Many people commented on the Instagram account @IA_stories, where crew members shared stories of hard working conditions.
Ninety-eight% of IATSE members voted in favor of a strike being authorized for October. After the Loeb declared that the former would strike, the IATSE and AMPTP reopened negotiations. The threat of a strike has been looming overhead as negotiations have continued since July.
