To avoid a strike, streaming services could pay production workers up to 30% more as part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees' (IATSE), which is a deal between major Hollywood studios and streaming services.
A document detailing the terms of the tentative Basic Agreement was tweeted by the union. The one-sheet stated that the new agreement would guarantee higher wages for episodic streaming productions. This includes longform miniseries of more than 66 minutes.
Payouts for some miniseries may increase by up to 30% depending on the classification of the project. Productions of longform that cost between $20 million and $32million will no longer be eligible for a discount due to the production being uploaded to a streaming platform. The union stated that this type of production will also see a rate rise of up to 30% in some cases.
NEW: Our first three pages of documents explain how the tentative Basic Agreement addresses priorities identified by members early in the bargaining process.
This is not an exhaustive list of priorities for members. More information will be available soon.
1. STREAMING IMPROVEMENTS pic.twitter.com/ACLP5cbLiv IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 20, 2021
IATSE will represent production crews working on low-budget productions lasting 20 minutes or more. However, the details of these contracts are not clear. This document stated that the production category was to be at least equal to mid-budget wages and terms and conditions.
As the union was working to negotiate better labor protections for its members with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the union also tweeted factsheets on wages and workplace conditions. The one-sheets leave much to be desired, especially in relation to streaming.
The union stated in a tweet that they would provide as much information as possible and as quickly as possible. This will give each person the opportunity to see all aspects of the picture and help them make informed decisions about their future.
Negotiations between the IATSE & AMPTP had stalled before last week. Union members voted almost unanimously to strike an event scheduled for this week if contract negotiations are not completed. A tentative agreement between the two organizations was reached over the weekend, narrowly avoiding a strike. However, the contract must be ratified and ratified by union members. Some have said that the terms do not meet their demands. It is possible for members to vote against the contract.
