NEWS: Entertainment Union Members Vote to Authorize TV and Film Production Strike

Behind every television show and film is an extensive crew of individuals that make the entertainment magic happen.

Bob Chapek Filming in front of Cinderella Castle

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion going on about some of the working conditions for those behind-the-scenes team members, and now there’s been an important update.

According to a recent social media post from IATSE (the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees), IATSE members in TV and film production have voted to authorize the first nationwide industry strike in the organization’s history.

The IATSE’s post notes that voter turnout was 89.66%, and that 98.68% voted “yes” to authorize the strike.

BREAKING: IATSE Members in TV and Film Production Voted to Authorize the first nationwide industry strike in our 128-year history.

98.68% voted yes, and voter turnout among eligible members was nearly 90% #IASolidarity #IATSEVoted pic.twitter.com/F4wx8cPubi

— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 4, 2021

According to Variety, IATSE and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (“AMPTP”, which represents the studios) have been negotiating on a new contract since May. They have been seeking to “address long-standing concerns, including long hours on set, streaming wage scales and residuals, and the stability of the pension and health funds.”

The IATSE has been in talks with the AMPTP, but according to Deadline, will strike on Monday, October 18th if a deal is not reached. As a result, AMPTP released the following statement:

“There are five whole days left to reach a deal, and the studios will continue to negotiate in good faith in an effort to reach an agreement for a new contract that will keep the industry working.”

UPDATE: According to Variety, the IATSE and AMPTP have reached a new deal for a three-year contract just days before the strike was planned. It includes things like “10-hour ‘turnaround’ times between shifts, 54-hour weekend turnarounds, and 3% wage increases for each of the next three years.”

We’ll keep an eye out for more details on this situation.