IATSE strike demands better work conditions for technicians

After+Alliance+of+Motion+Picture+and+Television+Producers+staff+failed+to+reach+an+equitable+bargain+on+both+sides%2C+International+Alliance+of+Theatrical+Stage+Employees+President+Matthew+Loeb+created+a+strike+authorization.

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After Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers staff failed to reach an equitable bargain on both sides, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees President Matthew Loeb created a strike authorization.

It goes without saying that entertainment was one of the hardest-hit industries during the COVID-19 pandemic. With very little live events taking place and film sets being scaled down due to safety precautions, there was not much opportunity for technicians to hone their craft.

Once the film industry began to roar back to life, however, the technicians under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees began to realize how poorly they were being treated.

Producers treated the IATSE union members as disposable. The union members were not granted an appropriate meal break, rest time, or time to be with their families. In addition, they were not given a livable wage and they were exploited by several “new media” outlets.

These and many other factors caused IATSE to demand a better contract between themselves and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. After AMPTP staff failed to reach an equitable bargain on both sides, IATSE President Matthew Loeb created a strike authorization.

An overwhelming majority of union members voted Yes to the strike authorization. Thirty-eight local unions were involved in this vote. Therefore, these locals will not be involved in film and television production until an equitable contract is reached.

In Beverly, Massachusetts, IATSE Local 11 (a sister local to the 38 locals involved in the current strike) went on strike due to unfair wages. They were scheduled to work on the remount of North Shore Music Theatre’s production of “Mamma Mia.” Unlike their sister locals, Local 11 managed to reach a bargain with Bill Haney and the producers at North Shore Music Theatre.