IATSE reaches tentative agreement with Hollywood producers

UNI Global Union congratulates its affiliate, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), on reaching a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The new deal, pending ratification, includes pay rises and new protections around Artificial Intelligence.

The tentative Basic Agreement comes almost a month before the current deal is due to expire on 31 July. It includes wage increases of 7 per cent, 4 per cent and 3.5 per cent over the three-year term. Workers will benefit from enhanced overtime pay for long workdays and workweeks.

A notable element of the agreement addresses the potential negative impact of generative AI on employment and the quality of jobs. New provisions include language that would safeguard crew members across all crafts from job losses.

The tentative agreement also tackles the sizeable funding gap in the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans. The plans secure access for this entirely freelance workforce to a secure and sustainably financed health and pension protection. To keep the financing of the plans stable, employers will make additional payments, including new streaming residuals.

Christy Hoffman, UNI Global Union General Secretary, praised the efforts and outcome of the negotiations, stating:

“We applaud IATSE on this tentative agreement, which ensures better wages, improved working conditions and significant protections for crew members’ jobs against the impacts of Artificial Intelligence. As generative AI becomes more prevalent in the industry, this agreement sets an example for entertainment unions worldwide.”

The complete summary of the tentative agreement will be released shortly, with local town hall meetings and a multi-local webinar scheduled to review the details. The final ratification timeline will be announced soon, and IATSE will present the complete package to its members.

Read the IATSE statement here.