The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union has voted to authorize a strike that could shut down production nationwide.
"The members have spoken loud and clear. 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. For those at the bottom of the pay scale, they deserve nothing less than a living wage," said union president Matthew Loeb.
The union is comprised of approximately 60,000 members, of which nearly 90% turned out to vote about the strike. The union is looking for higher pay wages, improvements to on-set conditions, and larger contributions to medical coverage and pensions.
"The AMPTP remains committed to reaching an agreement that will keep the industry working. 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," said the Alliance of Motion Picture Television Producers (AMPTP) in a statement. It added, "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."
Loeb commented on the statement, saying, "They've made it about power, not reason, so my read is that if they see that the strike authorization is passed, then maybe they will return to reason and the bargaining table. But if it's about power, that's a problem."
