In a significant show of unity, nearly 400 members from Hollywood’s prominent guilds have signed a letter of solidarity supporting IATSE and the Teamsters. This collective action comes as these below-the-line unions negotiate new three-year contracts with the studios.
The letter, obtained by Deadline, includes signatures from notable figures such as Alan Ritchson, Amy Schumer, Lily Wachowski, Boots Riley, Connie Britton, Chelsea Handler, Mark Ruffalo, Lamorne Morris, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Charlie Kaufman, Kerry Washington, Quinta Brunson, Natasha Lyonne, Ryan Coogler, Will Forte, and Sarah Polley.
Addressed to the Alliance of Motion Picture Television Producers (AMPTP), the letter calls for fair contracts that recognize the essential contributions of these behind-the-scenes workers. It emphasizes the need for protections against emerging technologies and AI, wage increases aligned with the cost of living, increased residuals, and diversified contributions to health and pension funds.
The letter highlights the dedication of these crewmembers, who work long hours in challenging conditions to bring stories to life. It stresses that fair compensation and safe working conditions are crucial for the entire industry. The letter concludes with the powerful statement, “Nothing moves without the crew.”
The Union Solidarity Committee, a mutual aid group formed during last year’s strikes, conceived and circulated the letter. It acknowledges the sacrifices made by below-the-line crew during work stoppages and pledges continued support throughout their fight for a fair deal before their contract expiration on July 31st.
This show of solidarity comes at a critical time as the Teamsters near the end of their second week of negotiations with the AMPTP. IATSE is set to return to the bargaining table for four additional days after talks stalled earlier this month.
An IATSE spokesperson expressed gratitude for the support from writers, actors, and directors, emphasizing the importance of unity in achieving fair agreements that safeguard the future of work in the film and TV industry. The spokesperson noted the challenges posed by the industry’s contraction and the threat of AI to creative jobs.
The major sticking points for IATSE include wage increases and pension contributions, which have been severely impacted by the lack of work in recent years due to the pandemic and strikes. The Teamsters are seeking similar contract provisions, though progress remains unclear.
With all current contracts set to expire on July 31, both IATSE and the Teamsters have expressed their unwillingness to extend negotiations beyond this date. As the end of June approaches, anxieties about a potential strike are growing, though there is still time for deals to be made. So far, none of the unions have called for a strike authorization vote, a necessary step before any picket lines are formed.
The letter to the AMPTP reads:
“We write to you today to affirm that we stand in solidarity with our TV and filmmaking siblings in IATSE, and the Hollywood Basic Crafts which includes Teamsters, LiUNA!, IBEW, OPCMIA, and UA. We call on you to give them a fair contract that acknowledges their essential contributions to production and allows these behind-the-scenes artists, artisans, and craftspeople to live and retire with dignity. We support their requests for protections from emerging tech and AI, wage increases commensurate with cost of living increases, increased residuals, and diversified contributions to their health and pension funds.
These crewmembers dedicate their lives to their artistry and to their departments – working long hours in often challenging conditions to bring stories to life. Being able to do their jobs safely and compensated fairly is essential for our membership to be able to do our jobs. ‘Nothing moves without the crew.’
We will never forget the sacrifices IATSE, Teamsters, and the Hollywood Basic Crafts made in the WGA / SAG fights for a fair contract in 2023. We commit to stand alongside them throughout the entirety of their fight and are prepared to take action and elevate their issues throughout the process in their pursuit of a fair deal prior to their contract expiration on July 31st of this year.
In solidarity –”
The letter is signed by a diverse group of industry professionals, including writers, directors, and actors, all united in their support for IATSE and the Teamsters. This collective action underscores the importance of solidarity in the face of industry challenges and the ongoing fight for fair treatment and compensation for all workers.
