IATSE Tells Members "Assume There Will Be A Strike"; Union Prepares Latest Contract Proposal
EXCLUSIVE: Hollywood is on the precipice tonight as talks between IATSE and the AMPTP continue in the hope of averting a strike early next week that could bring most of the industry to a standstill. Assume there will be a strike and hope there isnt, Local 800 members were told this afternoon in the first of two planned virtual town halls.
It looks about 50-50 right now, but that could change quickly either way with the mood in the room, another source close to the talks told Deadline. At one point earlier this week, it looked like NBCUniversal owner Comcast was the biggest hindrance to a solution. However, the overall situation again has become more fluid to a point.
With the union having set a deadline of 12:01 a.m. PT Monday for its members to hit the picket lines, the ball soon will be in the producers court again.
Deep in the search for a deal to avert a Tinseltown DefCon One, the IATSE negotiating team lead by union boss Matt Loeb is working on handing over its latest proposal to the AMPTP for a new three-year agreement to cover issues of increased pay for the likes of assistants and script coordinators, meal break penalties, increased rest period and more.
We have had an exchange with our employers and are preparing our response to them, Art Director Guild members were informed Thursday. Sources close to the talks confirm that AMPTP is expecting a new proposal from IATSE leadership later today or first thing tomorrow. The speed at which AMPTP chief Carol Lombardini responds to that response could set the tenor for the final 60 hours or so of talks.
https://deadline.com/2021/10/hollywood-strike-preparation-iatse-amptp-studios-1234856237/