Members of the American division of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) have voted to authorize a nationwide strike on TV and film productions by a near-unanimous margin.
Of the 53,411 total votes across 36 local unions, 52,706 — an overwhelming 98 percent — voted yes to authorize an industry-wide strike. The threshold to pass the strike authorization was 75 percent. A nationwide strike would be the first in the 128-year history of the union.
As per Variety, the unions have been negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) for better benefits, diversity care and COVID protection for workers, noting issues with "long hours on set, streaming wage scales and residuals, and the stability of the pension and health funds."
"The members have spoken loud and clear," IATSE international president Matthew D. Loeb said in a statement. "This vote is about the quality of life as well as the health and safety of those who work in the film and television industry. Our people have basic human needs like time for meal breaks, adequate sleep, and a weekend. For those at the bottom of the pay scale, they deserve nothing less than a living wage."
In an interview with Los Angeles Times, Loeb elaborated on what is required to reach a settlement.
The strike could amount to stoppages on some of the highest-profile television series and films currently in production. So far, the Canadian union members have not been affected, however, IATSE director of Canadian affairs John Lewis said a "handful" of US workers are typically present on productions north of the border.
"It could impact some productions in Canada," Lewis told CBC News prior to the vote.
See the results of the vote below.
Of the 53,411 total votes across 36 local unions, 52,706 — an overwhelming 98 percent — voted yes to authorize an industry-wide strike. The threshold to pass the strike authorization was 75 percent. A nationwide strike would be the first in the 128-year history of the union.
As per Variety, the unions have been negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) for better benefits, diversity care and COVID protection for workers, noting issues with "long hours on set, streaming wage scales and residuals, and the stability of the pension and health funds."
"The members have spoken loud and clear," IATSE international president Matthew D. Loeb said in a statement. "This vote is about the quality of life as well as the health and safety of those who work in the film and television industry. Our people have basic human needs like time for meal breaks, adequate sleep, and a weekend. For those at the bottom of the pay scale, they deserve nothing less than a living wage."
In an interview with Los Angeles Times, Loeb elaborated on what is required to reach a settlement.
The strike could amount to stoppages on some of the highest-profile television series and films currently in production. So far, the Canadian union members have not been affected, however, IATSE director of Canadian affairs John Lewis said a "handful" of US workers are typically present on productions north of the border.
"It could impact some productions in Canada," Lewis told CBC News prior to the vote.
See the results of the vote below.
