After days of discussions between IATSE, the Teamsters, and other Hollywood Crafts with the studios on health and pension benefits, the parties have decided to take a break. The negotiations will resume on March 18 after a weeklong caucus period. According to IATSE, the negotiations schedule is subject to change at short notice, so union members should stay alert for updates.
The IATSE Basic Agreement Negotiating Committee and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have exchanged initial proposals for amendments to the IATSE Hollywood Basic Agreement. The proposals include measures to enhance contract enforcement, economic proposals to counter the rising cost of living, and working conditions proposals to improve rest periods and penalties for overworking.
The negotiations involve not only IATSE and the studios but also 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. These joint negotiations are focused on discussing pension and health plans, which are crucial for the union members.
The current contracts are set to expire on July 31, and IATSE has made it clear that they are not considering an extension. This means that the negotiation process must be productive and efficient to reach an agreement before the deadline. While there is still some time before the contracts expire, the complexity of the negotiation process requires careful consideration of all the issues at hand.
Overall, the negotiations between the craft unions and the AMPTP are crucial for the well-being of the union members. The discussions focus on important aspects such as health and pension benefits, working conditions, and contract enforcement. It is essential for both parties to collaborate effectively to ensure that the final agreement meets the needs and demands of the union members. The upcoming weeks will be critical in determining the outcome of these negotiations, and all eyes are on the progress made during the caucus period.