Studios And Union For Film And TV Crews Reportedly Close To Deal To Avoid Nationwide Strike - Forbes

Topline

The union that represents 60,000 backstage film and TV crews and Hollywood studios are reportedly close to reaching an agreement that would avert a strike Variety and the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

Key Facts

Carol Lombardini, president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees reached a common ground on some of the sticking points in a lengthy virtual meeting Friday night, according to Variety.

The two sides reportedly agreed to a 3% increase in basic minimums pay rates per year in a new three-year contract.

The proposed contract would provide more rest time, with a minimum 10 hours off between shoots and 54 hours off over the weekend, according to the L.A. Times.

The two sides also have ironed out details of meal plans, rest breaks and time off between shifts, Variety reported citing multiple anonymous sources.

AMPTP and IATSE representatives did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment.

What We Don’t Know

Whether the new streaming giants will agree to raise residual fees, which toward IATSE’s pension and health plan, to the same level as that paid out by traditional media, Variety reported.

Tangent

“New media,” which includes streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney +, have also paid their workers less than established studios under a 2009 deal made between the IATSE and the AMPTP.

Key Background

Earlier this week, the IATSE said it would go on a nationwide strike at 12:01 a.m. on Monday if it does not reach an agreement with theHollywood studios, which would be the first in the union’s 128-year history. The union represents more than 150,000 workers in the TV and film industry in the United States and Canada who aren't an actor, director, producer or screenwriter, according to the Associated Press. The looming strike would only affect workers in the film and TV industry whose contracts expired last month.