The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees said it reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios, averting a strike that had been called for Monday.
The union said the contract calls for significant increases in compensation to be paid by new media companies at a time when video consumption is shifting to streaming.
The pact also provides for reasonable rest periods, meal breaks and raising the bottom of the pay scale to a living wage, according to the union.
“This is a Hollywood ending,“ IATSE International president Matthew Loeb said. “Our members stood firm. We are tough and united. We went toe-to-toe with some of the richest and most powerful entertainment and tech companies in the world, and we have now reached an agreement with the AMPTP that meets our members’ needs.”
The tentative agreement still must be ratified by IATSE members.
IATSE’s below-the-line workers include camera operators, grips, prop makers, set dressers, makeup artists, editors, script coordinators, publicists and many other job categories key to producing film and television.
“Our members will see significant improvements, but our employers also will benefit,” said Mike Miller, VP and motion picture director for IATSE. “This settlement allows preproduction, production and post-production to continue without interruption. Workers should have improved morale and be more alert. Health and safety standards have been upgraded.”
