Hollywood's below-the-line workers, including the Teamsters and IATSE, are threatening to strike if a deal is not reached with studios by July 31.
Negotiations will focus on wage increases, quality of life issues surrounding hours worked on set including meal penalties and turnaround times.
Hollywood's below-the-line workers, including the Teamsters and IATSE, are threatening to strike if a deal is not reached with studios by July 31. The unions have been in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) since Monday. Negotiations will focus on wage increases, quality of life issues surrounding hours worked on set including meal penalties and turnaround times.
The International Brotherhood of the Teamsters and the Hollywood Basic Crafts are threatening to strike if a deal is not reached by July 31.
Sean O'u0027Brien, president of IATSE, said they should commit to withholding their labor and not grant an extension if no agreement is made by deadline.
Matthew Loeb, international president of IATSE struck a more moderate tone than O'u0027Brien and emphasized that there is enough to go around.
Artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to replace workers in the film industry according to some crew members at the rally.
The upcoming talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are set to begin on Monday.
Hollywood union leaders warned that another strike this summer is possible if a deal cannot be reached before crew contracts expire on July 31.
Negotiations will focus on wage increases, quality of life issues surrounding the hours worked on set including meal penalties and turnaround times.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'putting them on their back' and 'on strike'. This creates a false sense of urgency and implies that the unions are taking extreme measures when they may not be necessary. Secondly, the author quotes O'Brien saying that AI should not be used to replace workers but also says it has the potential to lighten their load. These two statements contradict each other and create confusion for readers. Lastly, there is a lack of transparency in how negotiations will proceed as only some details are provided.
There is a lack of transparency in how negotiations will proceed as only some details are provided.
The author quotes O'Brien saying that AI should not be used to replace workers but also says it has the potential to lighten their load. These two statements contradict each other.
The author uses sensationalist language such as 'putting them on their back' and 'on strike'.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when they quote Sean O'Brien and Matthew Loeb as saying certain things without providing any evidence or context for their statements. This is a form of informal fallacy because the author relies on the credibility of these individuals rather than presenting any evidence themselves. Additionally, there are several instances where dichotomous depictions are used to portray Hollywood and its unions as being against each other, such as when O'Brien says 'We will put them on their back, on their knees, begging for mercy.' This is a form of informal fallacy because it oversimplifies complex issues into black-and-white categories. Finally, there are several instances where inflammatory rhetoric is used to portray the unions as being aggressive and combative towards Hollywood studios. This is also an informal fallacy because it exaggerates the situation for emotional effect rather than presenting a balanced view of events.
Sean O'Brien, president of Teamsters, says 'We are not afraid to strike.'
Matthew Loeb, international president of IATSE, repeatedly emphasizes that there is enough money to go around and addresses the issue of artificial intelligence.
Jackie Martinez says AI could be used to take away jobs.
Caitlin Dolittle says AI threatens to change the way her job is done.
Bias
(85%)
The author uses inflammatory language and makes a direct call to action for the unions to strike. The author also implies that AI will take away jobs from crew members, which is not necessarily true. Additionally, the article mentions past strikes in Hollywood which could be seen as biased towards union interests.
AI threatens to change the way my job is done.
If these greedy corporations choose not to reward our members, they are putting themselves on strike.
We are not afraid to strike
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author of the article has a conflict of interest with union leaders and studios as they are reporting on a potential strike in Hollywood. The author is also affiliated with IATSE which may have an interest in the outcome of this strike.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Hollywood strikes as she is reporting for Variety which covers the entertainment industry and may have financial ties to studios or unions involved in such disputes.
IATSE and Teamsters leaders held a unity rally before AMPTP talks begin
The upcoming quarterly refunding update from the US Treasury will provide information on how much bond supply there will be
SAG-AFTRA's chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland attended the rally to issue a word of warning about the upcoming talks
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(80%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that IATSE and Teamsters leaders are rallying members of crew unions before AMPTP talks begin to shut down production if they don't get what they want. However, this is not entirely accurate as the article states that SAG-AFTRA and WGA were also present at the rally. Secondly, Lynette Rice uses fiery language such as 'solidarity is the solution to corporate greed' which implies a sense of unity among all unions when in fact there are different interests at play here. Thirdly, Sean O'Brien refers to studios as white-collar crime syndicates which is an exaggeration and not entirely accurate. Lastly, the article does not provide any concrete evidence that IATSE or Teamsters will shut down production if they don't get what they want.
Lynette Rice uses fiery language such as 'solidarity is the solution to corporate greed' which implies a sense of unity among all unions when in fact there are different interests at play here.
The title implies that IATSE and Teamsters leaders are rallying members of crew unions before AMPTP talks begin to shut down production if they don't get what they want. However, this is not entirely accurate as the article states that SAG-AFTRA and WGA were also present at the rally.
Fallacies
(80%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority when stating that the studios are white-collar crime syndicates. Additionally, there is an example of a dichotomous depiction in the statement 'if we don't get what we want, we will shut it down day one'. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority when stating that Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien referred to the studios as white-collar crime syndicates. There is an example of a dichotomous depiction in the statement 'if we don't get what we want, we will shut it down day one'. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority when stating that Teamsters President Sean O'Brien made it clear his union is not afraid to go on strike this summer. There is an example of a dichotomous depiction in the statement 'if we don't get what we want, we will shut it down day one'.
The studios are white-collar crime syndicates.
If we don't get what we want, we will shut it down day one.
Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien referred to the studios as white-collar crime syndicates.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains fiery language and threats of a strike. The authors use words like 'solidarity', 'shut it down' and 'pay equity now'. They also quote speakers who make threatening statements such as Sean O'Brien saying that the studios are white-collar crime syndicates, Lindsay Dougherty stating that with IATSE and Teamsters together they will shut it down day one if their demands aren't met. The article also mentions a public disinformation campaign aimed at sowing discord among all of them which is likely to be used by the studios and streamers.
IATSE Boss Matthew Loeb wrapped up the rally by saying we are standing here together and that has never happened before but I suspect it will continue to happen into the future as we build strength and solidarity.
Lindsay Dougherty, chief negotiator for Teamsters Local 399, while looking out over the parking lot of workers — most of whom wore black and sported union T-shirts that read “pay equity now” and “nothing moves without the crew.c
Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien, who referred to the studios as white-collar crime syndicates.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses the IATSE and Teamsters rally before AMPTP talks begin. The author Lynette Rice is a member of SAG-AFTRA which has a vested interest in the Motion Picture Pension and Health Plan (MPPP). Additionally, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA's chief negotiator, is also mentioned as being present at the rally. These are examples of conflicts of interest.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA's chief negotiator, is also mentioned as being present at the rally.
Lynette Rice is a member of SAG-AFTRA which has a vested interest in the Motion Picture Pension and Health Plan (MPPP).
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author Lynette Rice has a conflict of interest on the topics IATSE and Teamsters Leaders as she is reporting for Deadline.com which is owned by Penske Media Corporation that owns Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and WWD.
The upcoming quarterly refunding update from the US Treasury will provide information on how much bond supply there will be.
Sean O'Brien, president of IATSE, said they should commit to withholding their labor and not grant an extension if no agreement is made by deadline.
Lindsay Dougherty is adopting a more diplomatic stance entering negotiations.
Accuracy
Artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to replace workers in the film industry according to some crew members at the rally.
The biggest reactions came from other labor leaders, including when California Labor Federation executive secretary-treasurer Lorena Gonzalez initiated a call-and-response of “Fuck around and find out” and when L.A. County Federation of Labor president Yvonne Wheeler exclaimed: “AMPTP, hear us loud and clear: These workers may work below the line, but that doesn't mean their wages and benefits should be near the poverty line.”
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that the IATSE and Teamsters are warning of another Hollywood strike at a massive rally before AMPTP talks begin. This statement is not supported by any evidence presented in the article, making it an example of hasty generalization.
IATSE Boss Matthew Loeb On “Precarious” Hollywood, Upcoming Studio Talks, Sunday’s Rally With The Teamsters,
Bias
(85%)
The article contains multiple examples of bias. Firstly, the author uses inflammatory language such as 'serious mistake' and 'play a game of chicken', which is likely to be perceived as biased by some readers. Secondly, the article quotes IATSE Chief Matthew Loeb making statements that are critical of AMPTP negotiations without providing any context or counter-arguments. This could be seen as an example of ideological bias towards one side in a conflict. Finally, the article includes multiple references to other news articles and events which may not be relevant to the main topic being discussed.
AI and Union Priorities as AMPTP Negotiations Loom: ‘It’s a Serious Mistake to Play a Game of Chicken’
IATSE Chief Matthew Loeb Talks Strike Threat
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses the potential strike threat by IATSE and Hollywood Teamsters due to ongoing negotiations with AMPTP. The author is Chief Matthew Loeb of IATSE who talks about AI and union priorities in relation to these negotiations.
The Teamsters are seeking better wages, working conditions, streaming residuals to fund their members' health and pension benefits.
Sean O'Brien is adopting a more diplomatic stance entering negotiations.
Accuracy
Sean O'Brien said they should commit to withholding their labor and not grant an extension if no agreement is made by deadline.
Labor leaders initiated a call-and-response of 'Fuck around and find out'
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that 'Support your source for local news!' when there are no sources disclosed or quoted in the article. Secondly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that a work stoppage would have a 'deleterious impact on Los Angeles and the people who directly and indirectly rely on the entertainment industry for their livelihoods'. This is not supported by any evidence presented in the article. Thirdly, when discussing Lindsay Dougherty's demands, it is stated that she expects streaming residuals to help fund her members' health and pension benefits. However, this statement implies that streaming services are responsible for funding these benefits which may not be accurate.
The author claims 'Support your source for local news!' without disclosing or quoting any sources in the article.
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(85%)
The article is biased towards the Teamsters Local 399 and their demands for better wages and pension benefits. The author uses language that portrays the teamsters as victims of a deleterious impact on Los Angeles if another work stoppage were to occur. Additionally, the author quotes Lindsay Dougherty, who is described as adopting a more diplomatic stance in negotiations but still advocates for better wages and working conditions for her members.
Lindsay Dougherty, Local 399's boss as well as the Teamsters motion picture director, is seeking better wages and working conditions for her members.
Support your source for local news! In these challenging times, the need for reliable local reporting has never been greater. Put a value on the impact of our year-round coverage.
The Hollywood sign is seen as it is repainted in preparation for its 100th anniversary in 2023.
The Hollywood Basic Crafts group is joining this year to negotiate their health and pension benefits with the Hollywood trade group the AMPTP.
Labor's priorities in these negotiations will be to increase retirement accrual rates and gain new streaming-based funding into the plans.
Accuracy
The biggest reactions came from other labor leaders, including when California Labor Federation executive secretary-treasurer Lorena Gonzalez initiated a call-and-response of “Fuck around and find out” and when L.A. County Federation of Labor president Yvonne Wheeler exclaimed: “AMPTP, hear us loud and clear: These workers may work below the line, but that doesn't mean their wages and benefits should be near the poverty line.”
The entertainment companies are referred to as a white-collar crime syndicate by some labor leaders.
Hollywood union leaders warned that another strike this summer is possible if a deal cannot be reached before crew contracts expire on July 31.
Deception
(80%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that there will be a strike when no such announcement has been made by the AMPTP yet. Secondly, the author quotes Michael Miller saying 'nothing moves without the crew' which suggests that they are only fighting for their own benefits and not those of other workers who may also be affected by any potential strike. However, this is contradicted later in the article when it mentions that SAG-AFTRA and WGA were present at the rally to show solidarity with below-the-line unions. Lastly, there are several instances where the author uses sensationalist language such as 'crippling' and 'languish on the page', which is not appropriate for a news article.
The title implies that there will be a strike when no such announcement has been made by the AMPTP yet. This is deceptive because it creates an expectation of imminent action without providing any concrete information about what may happen next.
Michael Miller says 'nothing moves without the crew' which suggests that they are only fighting for their own benefits and not those of other workers who may also be affected by any potential strike. However, this is contradicted later in the article when it mentions that SAG-AFTRA and WGA were present at the rally to show solidarity with below-the-line unions.
The author uses sensationalist language such as 'crippling' and 'languish on the page', which is not appropriate for a news article.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several examples of appeals to authority and inflammatory rhetoric. The author also uses a dichotomous depiction by describing the entertainment industry as being crippled due to strikes in 2023.
Michael Miller announced from the stage that “nothing moves without the crew.”
Lorena Gonzalez initiated a call-and-response of “Fuck around and find out”
Sean O'Brien, national president of the Teamsters, repeatedly referred to entertainment companies as “the white-collar crime syndicate.”
Bias
(85%)
The authors Gary Baum and Katie Kilkenny demonstrate a clear bias in their reporting of the Hollywood Teamsters and IATSE solidarity rally. They repeatedly mention strikes by industry writers and actors that crippled the entertainment industry without providing any context or evidence for these claims. The authors also use language that depicts those who support the strike as reasonable, while implying that those who do not are unreasonable.
“Fuck around and find out”, California Labor Federation executive secretary-treasurer Lorena Gonzalez initiated a call-and-response of
“Hollywood Teamsters head Lindsay Dougherty, who served as the profane MC for the event, ticked off key demands involving rest, safety and compensation, then promised that “we will strike if we have to.”
“I hope they’re paying attention right down the road at the AMPTP,” IATSE vice president Michael Miller announced from the stage to the crowd of around a thousand people at Woodley Park in Encino. (Nearly a thousand more watched a live-stream online.) He then invoked a slogan repeated throughout the event: “Nothing moves without the crew.”
“These workers may work below the line, but that doesn’t mean their wages and benefits should be near the poverty line.”
“Without all of you our words would just languish on the page.” WGA West vice president Michele Mulroney drew applause when she acknowledged crew support which “sustained us through our own long and arduous fight,”
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses the Hollywood Teamsters and IATSE holding a solidarity rally ahead of AMPTP negotiations. The authors have financial ties to both unions as they are members of the Writers Guild East.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Gary Baum and Katie Kilkenny have conflicts of interest on the topics of Hollywood Teamsters, IATSE, AMPTP negotiations and strike. They are members of the California Labor Federation which is involved in contract negotiations with studios and streamers.
