IATSE and Studios Reach Tentative Three-Year Agreement
On Tuesday night, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) announced a tentative three-year agreement with Hollywood's top studios and streaming services. This provisional deal, which covers 13 West Coast Locals, remains subject to a ratification vote.
The announcement was made jointly by IATSE and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), representing approximately 50,000 crewmembers. The new contract, which serves as a successor to the Basic Agreement, aims to address several key issues and will only take effect after the ratification vote, which has yet to be scheduled.
IATSE provided initial details of the agreement, highlighting a 7 percent wage increase in the first year, followed by 4 percent and 3.5 percent increases in the second and third years, respectively. These terms follow the precedent set by the SAG-AFTRA contract that ended its strike in 2023. The agreement also introduces additional penalties for extended workdays, including a tripled hourly wage for those working beyond 15 hours in a day. “On call” workers will see double pay for their seventh working day in a week. Moreover, non-dramatic productions covered under the Videotape Supplemental Agreement will see further pay increases.
Artificial intelligence (AI) was a significant concern in these negotiations. The new contract includes protections ensuring that employees will not be required to provide AI prompts that could lead to job displacement.
The deal also addresses IATSE's health and pension plans, securing the $670 million needed to maintain these benefits. Funding will be bolstered by new streaming residuals.
West Coast union leaders expressed gratitude to all who participated in the negotiation process, emphasizing that member input was crucial in setting clear goals and achieving consensus. They look forward to presenting the complete details of the agreement to members.
A summary of the agreement will be released within the next few days, with a full memorandum agreement expected in two weeks. Union Locals will host town halls to explain the deal, and a webinar for all Locals is scheduled for July 13.
Negotiations for the Basic Agreement began on March 5, with concerns that the talks might lead to another industry strike. However, union leaders remained optimistic throughout the process. The negotiations, initially set to conclude on May 17, were extended twice due to unresolved issues. The tentative deal was ultimately reached ahead of the Basic Agreement's July 31 expiration date, alleviating fears of immediate labor unrest.
The new agreement marks a critical step forward for IATSE members, addressing wage increases, workday penalties, AI protections, and securing health and pension benefits amidst a challenging industry landscape.
