A tentative agreement has been reached between the union representing thousands of workers in television and film productions. This will prevent a strike from starting Monday.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees had been negotiating and collaborating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. AMPTP represents major production studios such as Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures and Paramount Pictures. IATSE sought to improve working conditions for its members who are involved in many roles behind the scenes in Hollywood such as animators, broadcast technicians and makeup artists.
According to IATSEs website, the new three-year agreement includes retroactive wage increases at 3 percent per year, rest periods of 10 and 54 hours each day, as well as retroactive wage increases of 3% annually. The new deal also provides streaming workers with better wages and working conditions, although no details are provided.
Streaming was a key sticking point during negotiations. Existing streaming productions under IATSEs had greater flexibility in terms of pay and benefits for workers. Because streaming was still a new industry in 2009 with a small market, this contract was necessary. However, streaming has grown to be a billion-dollar business in recent years. IATSE suggested that streaming productions' pay structures should be modified.
This agreement will stop a walkout that could have had a significant impact on Hollywood. IATSE confirmed that negotiations are ongoing on a separate contract to cover people who work on movies or shows made in other parts the country such as New York, New Mexico and Georgia.
