We've been covering the IATSE negotiations with AMPTP since they began a few weeks ago. With the strike looming for today, IATSE and AMPTP struck a deal over the weekend. Now, IATSE members must vote on whether or not to accept it. 

Here are some of the key elements IATSE was able to include in the deal: 

  • Achievement of a living wage for the lowest-paid earners
  • Improved wages and working conditions for streaming
  • Retroactive wage increases of 3% annually
  • Increased meal period penalties
  • Daily rest periods of 10 hours without exclusions
  • Weekend rest periods of 54 hours
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday holiday added to the schedule
  • Adoption of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

IATSE President Matthew Loeb said in a statement, “This is a Hollywood ending. 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.”

With all this good news, why wouldn't they ratify it?

Well, apparently the negotiations failed to set a limit for how long each workday could be, which still endangers those working these hours and then having to drive home. It also didn't get residuals out of streamers, meaning no extra money would be sent to the health and pension plan. 

Some vocal members of IATSE have posted on social media that this deal is not enough, and that they shouldn't back down from one of the most important negotiations in their history. 

So what happens now? Once the details of the negotiation are put onto paper, IATSE will vote on whether or not to ratify it. With so many members voting to ratify the strike, it would seem that passing on the first set of negotiations might be likely, especially when it feels like many members didn't get key issues covered. But we will have to wait and see where this lands. 

We'll keep you updated as more information comes in. 

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