IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) are set to resume labor negotiations on June 24, with both contracts expiring on July 31. The negotiations will cover approximately 70,000 workers under the Basic Agreement and another 23,000 under the Area Standards Agreement. The parties have already reached agreements on several subjects including provisions covering AI and subcontracting but economic issues such as wage increases and pension/health plan funding remain unresolved. IATSE President Matthew Loeb has expressed optimism about reaching a deal that members will approve, but negotiations have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hollywood strikes of 2023, and ongoing industry contraction which reduced employment opportunities for entertainment workers.
The Teamsters Local 399 and Hollywood Basic Crafts are also negotiating contracts for around 7,600 crew members including animal trainers, casting directors, drivers, location managers, mechanics, cement masons and plumbers. They are seeking wage increases, pension and health benefits, higher streaming residuals and protections against artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.
The negotiations come as the entertainment industry continues to face uncertainty following last summer's historic strikes which affected thousands of people working in Hollywood and caused delays in the release of various projects. The potential strike would also impact major studios such as Amazon MGM, Apple, Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount and Sony Warner Bros. Discovery.
