Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Teams Vote to Authorize Strike | Economic news

By LINDSEY BAHR, AP screenwriter

Film and television production in North America is in danger of stalling after its behind-the-scenes workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike for the first time in its 128-year history.

The International Alliance of Theater Workers said on Monday that nearly 99% of registered members who participated, or 52,706 people, voted in favor of a strike over the weekend.

The problem is a standstill on demands for more reasonable terms for artisans, technicians, and laborers working for streaming companies like Netflix, Apple, and Amazon, including better pay, reasonable rest periods, safer hours and more. guaranteed meal breaks.

“I hope the studios will see and understand the determination of our members,” Alliance Chairman Matthew Loeb said in a statement. “The ball is in their backyard. If they want to avoid a strike, they will return to the bargaining table and make us a reasonable offer.

The last three-year contract expired in July, leading to four months of negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the group that represents studios and streamers in negotiations. But on September 20, the day after shows like “The Crown,” “Ted Lasso,” and “The Queen’s Gambit” at the Emmy Awards, the conversations broke down.

Loeb said his goal was to come to an agreement, not to “have a dispute,” but noted the vote was on “the quality of life as well as the health and safety of those working in the industry. film and television industry “.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Employees said it was “incomprehensible that AMPTP, a set that includes mass media mega-companies collectively worth billions of dollars, claim that it cannot deliver to teams in behind the scenes basic human necessities like adequate sleep, meal breaks and decent wages.

The union added that its members have worked during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure their business comes out intact. “Now we cannot and will not accept a deal that leaves us with unsustainable results.”

The Alliance of Film and Television Producers said in a statement it remains committed to reaching a deal that will keep the industry working, especially as it is still recovering from the economic fallout from the pandemic.

“An agreement can be reached at the negotiating table, but it will take both sides to work together in good faith with a willingness to compromise and explore new solutions to resolve outstanding issues,” he said. .

Hollywood crews last came out in October 1945, otherwise known as “Bloody Friday,” when a six-month strike by set designers led to a riot outside the Warner Bros. studio.

Many prominent Hollywood names have expressed public support for the teams’ demands, including actor and producer Octavia Spencer who tweeted her support on Monday.

“I hope #AMPTP does the right thing and makes up for it,” Spencer wrote. “They are not asking for anything unreasonable.”

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