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Tentative Agreement Reached by IATSE and AMPTP
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract that covers the working conditions and compensation for the union`s members in the film and television industry. The agreement was announced on July 17, 2021, after weeks of negotiations and a looming strike threat.
The IATSE represents over 150,000 workers in various crafts, such as cinematography, editing, sound, makeup, costume, and production design, who are essential to the production of movies and TV shows. The union has been seeking better wages, shorter workdays, safer workplaces, and improved benefits for its members, who often work long hours, irregular schedules, and hazardous tasks. The AMPTP is a trade association that represents the major studios and production companies, who have enjoyed a boom in streaming and other digital platforms despite the pandemic`s impact on the traditional theatrical releases.
According to the official statement from the IATSE, the tentative agreement includes several significant gains for the union`s members, such as:
– Wage increases of 3% per year, with some exceptions and adjustments based on the craft and location.
– Reduced workdays for certain crafts, such as hair and makeup, from 14 hours to 12 hours or less, with additional penalties for longer hours and meal penalties for delays.
– Improved meal breaks and rest periods, with additional provisions for outdoor and extreme weather conditions.
– Enhanced safety protocols and training, including COVID-19 protections and mental health resources.
– Better healthcare and pension benefits, with some adjustments to eligibility and contributions.
The IATSE also highlighted some areas where the agreement falls short of its initial demands, such as eliminating the practice of “forced call” on weekends, when members may have to work against their preferences or seniority, and addressing the “runaway production” that exports jobs to other states or countries with lower standards. However, the union acknowledged that the negotiations were challenging and that the members` input and solidarity were crucial in achieving a better contract than the previous one, which expired on July 31, 2020.
The tentative agreement still needs to be ratified by the IATSE`s locals and members, who will vote on it in the coming weeks. Although the union has suspended its strike authorization process, which could have led to a widespread work stoppage if approved, the IATSE leaders urged the members to stay informed and engaged in the ratification process, as well as to hold the employers accountable for the commitments made in the tentative agreement. The AMPTP also released a statement expressing its satisfaction with the outcome and thanking the IATSE for its professionalism and collaboration.
In conclusion, the tentative agreement between the IATSE and the AMPTP represents a significant step forward for the labor rights and working conditions of the film and television industry workers, who have faced many challenges and inequalities in the past and the present. However, it also shows that the struggle for equitable and sustainable employment is ongoing and requires constant vigilance and action from both the union and the industry stakeholders. As a professional, it is essential to highlight the key points and keywords in the article, such as “tentative agreement,” “IATSE,” “AMPTP,” “film and television industry,” “working conditions,” “wages,” “safety,” “healthcare,” “ratification process,” and “labor rights.”