IATSE Ratifies AMPTP Contract

(IATSE, Mar. 20) The 15 Hollywood-based locals representing over 35,000 members of the IATSE working in motion picture and television production have ratified the new Hollywood Basic Agreement with the AMPTP.

As I am sure most of you are aware of by now, IATSE's new contract with the AMPTP has been unanimously approved by the 15-member Hollywood-based bargaining unit. IATSE Local 600's members voted by a 1229 to 904 margin (58% to 42%) to ratify the Basic Agreement. The official IATSE announcement is below, and you can click here to see the American Arbitration Association's certified results of the Local's ratification vote.

The three year contract, which will go into effect August 1, 2009, was tentatively proposed last November, with drafting completed last month.

At the time of the November negotiations, IA President Matthew D. Loeb stated, “This was a tough negotiation during tough economic times but both sides worked hard and negotiated reasonably to come to this agreement.”

After each of the 15 locals covered under the new contract ratified the agreement, Loeb added, “We have delivered a strong contract in a very chaotic economic climate. We feel we have given our members the best protection we can at a time when the bottom is falling out of a lot of traditional business models. We look forward to three years of labor stability and a commitment to keeping our members working.”

Terms and conditions of the agreement are in line with industry standards as established in recent negotiations and with applicable modifications for the particular needs of IATSE members.

The IATSE is an International Union that represents members employed in the stagecraft, motion picture and television production, and trade show industries throughout the United States, its Territories, and Canada.

(For background information on the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees: www.iatse-intl.org.)

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Know Your Rights: Right-to-Work States

Know Your Rights: Many States have passed Right to Work Legislation that allows film and television productions (among other industries) to hire non-union workers even on union-organized productions. This means that crews in these states may be mixed between union and non-union members. All other aspects of the contract remain in full effect. In addition, the production is required to pay union benefits on all crew, regardless if they are union members or not.

Some members mistakenly believe that there is no such thing as a union job in a so-called "right-to-work" state. That is not true. "Right-to-work" legislation just keeps the union from requiring those who work under their contracts to join the union. The intent of that legislation is to deprive the union of dues, thereby weakening the organization. Those who work under those contracts and don't pay dues are commonly known as "free-riders."

However, there are many strong unions in so-called "right-to-work" states. Our Basic Agreement, for example, is the same in Florida (a "right-to-work state) as it is in California. There are no "free-riders" currently working under Local 600 contracts.

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