AND … CUT!
TV, film union votes to go out on strike
The members of a TV and film production union have authorized a nationwide strike, potentially impacting the booming film industry in Massachusetts where multiple projects are underway.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) announced that more than 98% of the union members who cast ballots voted in support of a strike authorization. This vote gave IATSE International President Matthew Loeb the authority to call a strike.
“The members have spoken loud and clear,” Loeb said. “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,” he added. “For those at the bottom of the pay scale, they deserve nothing less than a living wage.”
IATSE represents technicians and craftspeople working behind-the-scenes in the entertainment industry in the U.S. and Canada.
Members of 36 local unions, representing 60,000 workers from across the country, granted approval for the union’s first nationwide strike. None of the local unions reported less than 96% voting to authorize a strike.
The IATSE Local 481 New England Studio Mechanics did not respond to comment about the vote on Tuesday.
In Boston’s Downtown Crossing a couple of weeks ago, the word “strike” was written in fake snow on a film set’s cab. The movie “Spirited” starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds was being filmed there.
Other projects currently in production in the Bay State include “Confess, Fletch” and “Julia,” according to the Massachusetts Film Office.
IATSE is in a contract battle with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
“The AMPTP remains committed to reaching an agreement that will keep the industry working,” an AMPTP spokesperson said. “We deeply value our IATSE crew members and are committed to working with them to avoid shutting down the industry at such a pivotal time, particularly since the industry is still recovering from the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A deal can be made at the bargaining table, but it will require both parties working together in good faith with a willingness to compromise and to explore new solutions to resolve the open issues,” he added.
The Massachusetts budget this year made the film production incentive program permanent.
Since the film incentive program was established in 2006, nearly 300 films and TV series have been produced in the state, according to the Massachusetts Production Coalition.
Filming has taken place in more than 200 cities and towns, and productions have spent more than $2.8 billion here.