On Thursday, an encouraging update emerged on the state of negotiations between the IATSE and AMPTP. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) represents more than 170,000 workers in behind-the-scenes roles that are essential in the production of movies, television, and live stage performances.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP ) is the trade association that negotiates labor contracts on behalf of Hollywood’s largest studios and streamers. Unlike last year’s drawn-out negotiations between the AMPTP and WGA and SAG-AFTGRA unions, serious talks on a new contract for the IATSE began well in advance of the date when the current agreement expires, on July 31st.
An AMPTP source told Deadline that talks are “looking good” and that they are “close” to finalizing a new agreement, even though “nothing’s sealed up” quite yet. The remaining points are said to involve job security for IATSE members, though details on these issues are undisclosed.
IATSE President Mathew Loeb is holding out for contract terms that will be broadly accepted by its members, unlike the most recent contact in 2021 which was only able to muster approval from a slight majority of its members, with many complaining that its benefits were weighted towards the interests of the studios at the expense of workers.
This time around, both sides have clear incentives to reach a new deal before the current agreement runs out. The industry is still reeling from the effects of last year’s dual strikes by writers and actors, which shut down production in Hollywood for months. Deadline’s report indicates that bargaining is “on track” to be completed by early June, leaving enough time for members to review and approve the deal that has been negotiated.