On March 4, at approximately 2:00pm (Pacific Time), Negotiating Committee members representing IATSE’s 13 West Coast Studio Locals, as well as representatives from IATSE Local 52, IATSE Local 161, The Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839), the Hollywood Basic Crafts, including Teamsters Local 399, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 40 (IBEW), Laborers International Union of North America Local 724 (LiUNA!), United Association Plumbers Local 78 (UA) and Operating Plasterers & Cement Masons International Association (OPCMIA) Local 755 met with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to begin negotiations relating to the shared motion picture industry pension and health plan (MPIPHP).
The coalition of unions presented initial proposals to the AMPTP relating to the shared MPI benefit plans. Talks are expected to continue throughout the week.
In his opening remarks for the negotiations, IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb said, “Our folks understand the business they’re in, the sacrifices and precarious nature of employment, and they work within that environment anyway. But there’s no reason these companies can’t build in more protection, reliability, and predictability that creates more security.”
The first day of negotiations follows the joint ‘Many Crafts, One Fight’ rally held on March 3, which saw thousands across the Hollywood labor movement united in pursuit of strong and fair contracts for behind-the-scenes workers. Lindsay Dougherty, Teamsters Local 399 Principal Officer Chairperson of the Hollywood Basic Crafts said, “Yesterday’s rally showed that all of Hollywood labor remains committed to fight alongside one another. This historic show of support heading into today’s negotiations highlights that though our members often work behind-the-scenes, their issues will be front and center throughout this year’s contract fight.”
A recording of the rally is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p23eSi3gIlE
The talks begin several months ahead of July 31, when IATSE’s agreements, the Teamsters ‘Black Book’ and Location Manager Agreement, as well as the Hollywood Basic Crafts agreements are set to expire if new contracts are not reached by then.
Members should continue to expect frequent and direct communications from your local union via email and via official union social media channels.
