You searched for feed - IATSE / The Union Behind Entertainment Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:37:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.7 /wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IATSE_Logo_YellowBG-150x150.png You searched for feed - IATSE / 32 32 ƵInternational President Matthew D. Loeb Meets with Kennedy Center Workers Amid Recent Cancellations /iatse-international-president-matthew-d-loeb-meets-with-kennedy-center-workers-amid-recent-cancellations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=iatse-international-president-matthew-d-loeb-meets-with-kennedy-center-workers-amid-recent-cancellations Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:35:44 +0000 /?p=19452 WASHINGTON, DC — This week, ƵInternational President Matthew D. Loeb visited the Kennedy Center to meet with Ƶmembers, hear their concerns, and show solidarity as behind-the-scenes workers face […]

The post ƵInternational President Matthew D. Loeb Meets with Kennedy Center Workers Amid Recent Cancellations appeared first on IATSE.

]]>

WASHINGTON, DC — This week, ƵInternational President Matthew D. Loeb visited the Kennedy Center to meet with Ƶmembers, hear their concerns, and show solidarity as behind-the-scenes workers face uncertainty following recent show cancellations.

During his visit, Loeb reaffirmed the vital role that stagehands, wardrobe professionals, makeup artists, ticket sellers, press agents, and other skilled entertainment workers play in bringing world-class productions to life at the Kennedy Center—regardless of the content or artistic choices involved.

“Behind-the-scenes workers need to feed our families and have neither participated in any decisions relating to booked content, nor have we considered social issues as a matter of whether we service a production in the history of our relationship at the Kennedy Center,” Loeb stated.

“We have a contract and fulfill our end of the deal. We are the best, safest, most experienced workforce available and we’ve worked in the building since it opened 53 years ago, throughout all the challenges and successes the institution has seen. It is our hope the Center can continue to offer the best to the public when it comes to promoting world-class productions, while protecting freedom of speech and expression, free of censorship in the spirit of foundational democratic values.”

With seven ƵLocals representing labor at the Kennedy Center—including Local 22 (Stagehands), Local 772 (Wardrobe), Local 798 (Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists), Local 868 (Treasurers & Ticket Sellers), Local B868 (Instant Charge/Telephone Sales and Information), Local USA 829 (Scenic Artists), and ATPAM Local 18032 (Theatrical Press Agents & Managers)—as well as touring crews working under IATSE’s Pink Contracts, cancelled shows and empty seats directly impact hundreds of families.

Ƶurges artists and producers to consider the workers behind the scenes who make world class live performances at the Kennedy Center possible. When productions walk away, it leaves more than just an empty stage — they leave behind critical opportunities for skilled middle-class workers to earn living in the arts, and forego a chance to inspire American audiences at this historic institution.

The post ƵInternational President Matthew D. Loeb Meets with Kennedy Center Workers Amid Recent Cancellations appeared first on IATSE.

]]> Los Angeles Fires Relief and Response /socal-fires/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=socal-fires Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:25:16 +0000 /?page_id=18663 HOUSEHOLD ITEMS GIVEAWAY JOINT LETTER FROM LA LOCALS DONATION UPDATE “GO-KIT” LIST PREP BEST PRACTICES Resources: Wildfire Updates Emergency Management Department Website Up to date information on the ongoing wildfires, […]

The post Los Angeles Fires Relief and Response appeared first on IATSE.

]]>

Los Angeles Fires Relief and Response

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS GIVEAWAY
JOINT LETTER FROM LA LOCALS DONATION UPDATE
"GO-KIT" LIST
PREP BEST PRACTICES

Resources:


Up to date information on the ongoing wildfires, reporting/tracking power outages, where to request city services, sign up for alerts, etc.

EVACUATION MAP

AirNow Air Quality Monitoring

Cal FIRE Updates

City of LA Emergency Alerts
Register for emergency alerts at

LA County Emergency Alerts
Sign up for real-time updates at

LADWP Outages

SoCal Edison Outages

SoCal Gas Shut Offs

Watch Duty Wildfire App
Real-time updates on wildfire status, including air drops

LA County Road Closures

LAFD Evacuation Preparation

LAFD Alerts

Housing/Shelter

EMERGENCY SHELTER ADDRESSES
Updated list of shelters can be found here:

211LA
Fill out a form to be notified of available temporary housing through AirBNB:

American Red Cross
Find open shelters by visiting or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.


Zello is providing furniture, kitchenware, bedding, electronics and comfort items like toys and school supplies and Ƶand Teamster Local 399 members will deliver bulk items to your home. They also will provide secure storage and emergency temporary housing if needed. See the flyer for more information


furniture and home goods for those moving into rental properties

LA County Animal Care and Control
Offering shelter and resources for displaced pets and livestock. Call 661-940-4191

MALAN- Mutual Aid LA Network Resources (Human and Animal Shelters)

ANIMAL SHELTERS

Walsh/DiTolla/Spivak Foundation Disaster Relief Application
ƵAdjacent foundation which can help pay for food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities for Ƶmembers who suffer loss from natural disasters.
CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION


This organization is not just for small businesses. The have low-interest disaster loans to help homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes recover from declared disasters.

Entertainment Community Fund
Offers financial assistance for disaster relief
– CA Fires Webpage:
– Eligibility:

Federal Disaster Assistance Resources (FEMA)
 or 1800-621-3362

FEMA Aid & Crowdfunding (GoFundMe)
If you receive money from a GoFundMe page for a specific disaster-related expense–such as home repairs, funeral expenses or other emergency needs—you may not be able to receive FEMA aid for the same expense.

FEMA Serious Needs Assistance:
Serious Needs Assistance is money to pay for emergency supplies like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation. It is available in all disasters declared for Individual Assistance.

LA Fed Labor Community Services
Can assist with first and last-month rental assistance and help find permanent, long-term housing (cannot assist with deposits). Can also assist with rental, mortgage, or utility assistance.

Fill out intake form or email Marcos Juan marcos@lcs-la.org

MPTF
Offers financial assistance for disaster relief, fire-related intake calls will be prioritized. Call the MPTF intake line at (323) 634-3888, an MPTF social worker will return calls within 24 hours.

Union Plus
Offers financial assistance grants for disaster-relief to its members.

Assessor Prang Announces Online Disaster Relief Filing for Homeowners
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang is making it easier than ever for property owners impacted by recent wildfires to access disaster relief. The new online Disaster Relief e-Form allows homeowners to file the Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) Claim form online—anytime, anywhere—using any electronic device including from a smart phone.

LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund
Individuals may apply only once for up to $10,000. Funds are unrestricted and can be used in any way that alleviates financial hardship. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Bounce Back Now
Free emotional health app
English:
貹ñDZ:

CalHOPE
Coping resources for all ages

Warmline
833-317-4673 Connects callers with peer counselors

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress at the Uniformed Services University
Sustaining the Psychological Well-Being of Caregivers

Safety, Recovery and Hope after Disaster: Helping Communities and Families Recover

Leadership Communication: Anticipating and Responding to Stressful Events

EPA
Wildfire Smoke Factsheet: Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke and Ash

LA County DPH
List of Resources

Listen Protect Connect – Psychological First Aid for Children and Families

MPI Mental Health
Emotional Wellbeing Assistance Line: (866) 248-4094 Speak with reps 24/7 who can assist you, can also receive 5 free counseling sessions at no cost to you.

Supportive Services Intake Line
For those under 65: 323-634-3888. For those 65 or over: 323-634-3866 Provides both counseling services and financial assistance for industry members in need.

SAMHSA
Disaster Distress Helpline. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, press “2”) to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7/365.

Behavioral Health Disaster Response App:

Supporting Firefighter Families
This app is intended for use by spouses and family members of firefighters who are interested in learning how to support their firefighter and care for themselves and their family through difficult times.

Teladoc
Free 24/7 telehealth for any non-emergency illnesses, including those who need help getting authorizations for non-narcotic medications.

Crisis Text Line
Text LA to 741741
Free 24/7 texting with volunteer crisis counselors

Brainspotting Free Trauma Therepy
You will receive up to 10 Free Sessions with a highly trained Brainspotting Therapy practitioner. There is no fee, and no strings attached.

Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires
English:
貹ñDZ:

Wildfires: Tips for Parents on Media Coverage
English:
貹ñDZ:

Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents

Trinka and Sam: The Big Fire (e-book for young children)
English:
貹ñDZ:

Helping Youth After a Community Trauma: Tips for Educators
English:
貹ñDZ:

Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen
English:
貹ñDZ:

Creating Supportive Environments: When Scary Things Happen
English:
貹ñDZ:

After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal
English:
貹ñDZ:

Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
English:
貹ñDZ:

Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
English:
貹ñDZ:

Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
English:
貹ñDZ:

Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
English:
貹ñDZ:

Once I Was Very Very Scared (children’s book for young children)
English:
貹ñDZ:

Psychological First Aid (PFA)
PFA is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by these types of events

– English:
– 貹ñDZ:

PFA Wallet Card (Provides a quick reminder of the core actions)
English:
貹ñDZ:

PFA online training course

English:
貹ñDZ:

Parent Tips for Helping Infants and Toddlers
English:
貹ñDZ:

Parent Tips for Helping Preschoolers
English:
貹ñDZ:

Parent Tips for Helping School-Age Children
English:
貹ñDZ:

Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents
English:
貹ñDZ:

Tips for Adults
English:
貹ñDZ:

Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR)
For community and mental health providers who plan to continue working with affected communities long-term

English:
貹ñDZ:

SPR Online course

Help Kids Cope
App Store:
Google Play:

PFA Mobile
App Store:

Google Play:

Preparing Children After a Wildfire Damages Your Community

centralized list of aid resources

Missing Animal Resources
213-270-8155 – This is a recorded line you can leave all information about your animal, and it is being provided to Animal Services to help them identify any pets they have and reunite with owners.

The Abbey West Hollywood
Offering free meals to evacuees and first responders

AT&T
Unlimited talk, text and data through Feb. 6

Babyletto
Offering free replacement cribs. Families in need can claim this offer by contacting the brand directly at info@babyletto.com

Be U Vietnamese Restaurant
Free meals for fire evacuees and first responders
557 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Cal-FIRE Evacuation Guide

Calico Fish House
Offering to feed evacuees and let them camp out in the restaurant’s parking lot
16600 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Capital One

Capital One has suppressed calls to impacted zip codes and implemented reactive (customer initiated) fee waivers and skip payment requests.

City of LA
Resource Guide

Resources for seniors

Everytable
Providing free meals to first responders until Jan. 12.

Farmers Insurance Temporary Relief Sites
Farmers® now has four temporary relief sites open in several communities across Los Angeles County to provide frontline assistance

To provide additional frontline assistance to customers impacted by the multiple wildfires that continue to burn in the Los Angeles area, Farmers Insurance® has now opened four temporary relief sites staffed by specially trained Catastrophe Response Team members and other support personnel. Below is information as of January 22, 2025

Impacted customers can visit any of the relief sites below for in-person claims assistance:
Farmers Agent Office
36 S Kinneloa Ave Suite 100
Pasadena, CA 91107
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Boys and Girls Club – Basketball Courts **CLOSING Wednesday 1/22 at 5:30 PM**
1220 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Home Depot – Burbank
1200 Flower Street
Burbank, CA 91502
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Farmers, Foremost®, Bristol West® and Toggle® customers can also file a claim by:
1. Visiting Farmers.com, Foremost.com, BristolWest.com, and GetToggle.com
2. Calling their agent
3. Calling the 24-hour claims center:
4. Farmers and Foremost: 1-800-435-7764
5. Bristol West: 1-800-274-7865
6. Toggle: 1-855-864-1530
7. Farmers GroupSelectSM Auto & Home: 1-800-854-6011
8. Spanish-language claims assistance is available to Farmers customers by calling: 877-RECLAMO (877-732-5266)
9. Customers can also use their Farmers, Foremost, or Bristol West mobile app
10. For persons with a hearing or speech disability, please dial 711 to reach the federal Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

For more information about Farmers Insurance and its catastrophe response efforts, please visit Farmers.com/Catastrophe.

Fatburger
Via its food truck, the “Fatmobile,” will be serving up 10,000 meals at first responder sites and shelters

GoodRx
Offering free telehealth visits for Angelenos in need

LA County Resource Guide

Lyft
Free rides for evacuees. Code “CAFIRERELIEF25”

Mountain Mike’s Pizza
Pasadena location will be offering free meals and a place to rest to first responders.

Pie Free Pizza
Free pizza for evacuees and people in need. Call (626) 541-0051 to coordinate

Planet Fitness
Free access to showers, electrical outlets and wi-fi (locations throughout LA County). Access available 24/7 regardless of membership status.

Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness is providing a place for the community to charge their phones, use the wifi and take a shower, regardless of whether you are a member

The Queen Mary Hotel
Offering rooms for fire evacuees at $189. The reservation includes a voucher for a breakfast buffet for two people. Pet and Historical Preservation fees have also been waived.

Shake Shack
Offering evacuees free Shackburgers at any location across the county. The deal will be valid until Sunday.

Sizzler
Locations in Van Nuys, Los Feliz, Palmdale and Fox Hills are offering free meals to first responders and evacueesf

UBER
Free rides for evacuees. Code “WILDFIRE25”

UFC Gym
offering residents, first responders and others affected by the wildfires free access to locker rooms, showers, recovery services, electrical outlets, Wi-Fi and more until the end of January.

U-Haul
Opening its facilities across Southern California for 30 days of free self-storage to victims. The U-Box container disaster relief program is also available to assist evacuees and affected families.

Verizon
Free call, text and data. Free wifi and charging stations in shelters.

Wells Fargo

Click here to view the flyer for recovery tips from Wells Fargo and see the news article below.

Five major banks will offer homeowners up to three months of forbearance on mortgage payments in areas devastated by the Southern California wildfires, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The participating banks are Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo. Many banks already have policies allowing up to three additional months of payment forbearance. To participate, homeowners must contact their mortgage provider. The ZIP codes included in the mortgage relief program are: 90019, 90041, 90049, 90066, 90265, 90272, 90290, 90402, 91001,91104, 91106, 91107 and 93536.

World Central Kitchen
Relief team in near Eaton Fire to feed first responders and families.

YMCA LA
Offering free showers and access at all their locations


Local Assistance Centers & Disaster Recovery Centers are available to the public from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. These offer local and federal resources for Los Angeles County residents affected by the fires such as support for individuals with lost vital records, navigating insurance and referrals for mental health counseling, and other services.

What can you expect:

  • A place you can go to register with someone in person.
  • A place to talk with someone about your specific situation, application, and denial letter (might not actually be a denial, might just need to turn in insurance claim or additional information)
  • They can look up your application and give you status updates, etc.
  • SBA (Small Business Administration) will be there to talk with people about low interest loans that are available to individuals impacted by the fires. I know people are hesitant to get a loan, but it really is an amazing opportunity to at least talk with someone about what that looks like. This is most often one of the fastest ways to recovery, and in the long run a really good option. Grant funding isn’t a huge amount in the grand scheme of things.
  • Red Cross and other voluntary agencies may be there as well as other support partners.

People can also use the FEMA App to locate DRCs, shelters, and other pop up assistance centers as well as to register, upload documents to their applications, and see status updates. It’s a good idea to download the app if you have an active registration. Also at the DRC they can upload your documents if you aren’t able to.

Locations:

Westside Location

UCLA Research Park West
10850 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

Eastside Location

Pasadena City College Community Education Center
3035 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107

MPTF Webinars



INSPECTION UPDATES:
Palisades –
Eaton –

ƵMember Fire Relief and Applications Checklist

California Department of Insurance Wildfire Resources & Recommendations

LA County
Safe Clean-Up After Fire

United Policyholders
Non-profit organization that assists individuals with navigating their insurance policies and filing claims

Red Cross Disaster Action Team
Call 800-675-5799, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Disaster Action Team volunteers travel to the disaster site, assess the scope of the disaster, and if necessary, work with the victims to identify and meet the immediate needs of the displaced residents. A well-stocked Red Cross response vehicle contains blankets, water, snacks and toiletry kits for the comfort of the clients. Diapers, formula, and plush toys are also available for infants and children.

Federal Disaster Assistance Resources (FEMA)

Labor Community Services LA

Union Plus Disaster Assistance Resources
View the flyer here

LAPD Notice on Post- Fire Recovery Scams

| State of California – Department of Justice – Office of the Attorney General
“As with all other covered goods and services, following a declaration of emergency, the statute generally prohibits landlords from increasing the price of rental housing by more than 10% of the previously charged or advertised price. For rental housing that was not rented or advertised for rent prior to a declaration of emergency, the price cannot exceed 160% of the fair market value of the rental housing as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development… Anyone who has been the victim of price gouging, or who has information regarding potential price gouging, is encouraged to immediately file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office by going to the Attorney General’s website or by calling (800) 952-5225.”

Additional information about price gouging and online reporting link to the Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs can be found here –

BEVERLY HILLS BAR ASSOCIATION:

Walsh DiTolla Spivak Foundation Disaster Relief

The Richard F. Walsh/Alfred W. Di Tolla/Harold P. Spivak Foundation is a charitable foundation which is funded by individual contributions and a portion of the revenue from the sale of each per capita stamp.

The Foundation provides scholarships for the children of Ƶmembers and makes charitable contributions to entertainment related charities as well as other worthwhile charities and foundations.

Funds from the Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation can help pay for food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities for Ƶmembers affected by natural disasters. In the past, the Ƶhas disbursed funds to support members affected by wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Individual Ƶmembers (and retirees) needing assistance should follow the instructions on the below form and submit to their local union.The local union will then forward the request to the Foundation for review by the Foundation trustees.

WALSH / Di TOLLA / SPIVAK FOUNDATION Catastrophic Relief Application Form:

English
ç
貹ñDZ

Donations should be made payable to the “Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation” and mailed to:

The Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation c/o IATSE
207 W. 25th St., 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10001

Canadian members in need of assistance should contact International Vice President Damian Petti at dpetti@iatse.net

Online Donations can be made to the Foundation via the PayPal Landing Page at (also accepts credit cards via PayPal)

  • Checks should be made payable to the “Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation” and mailed to: The Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation c/o Ƶ207 W. 25th St., 4th Fl. New York, NY 10001.

NOTE: Employers and Local Unions must send checks

Current disasters eligible for aid through the Walsh/Di Tolla/Spivak Foundation:

  • Greater Los Angeles wildfires
  • Hurricane Milton
  • Hurricane Helene
  • Hurricane Beryl

DONATE

VOLUNTEER

LA Works

American Red Cross

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank:

The post Los Angeles Fires Relief and Response appeared first on IATSE.

]]> IATSE’s Area Standards Locals Pen Joint Letter as ASA Negotiations Begin /iatses-23-area-standards-local-unions-pen-joint-letter-as-asa-negotiations-start/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=iatses-23-area-standards-local-unions-pen-joint-letter-as-asa-negotiations-start Mon, 20 May 2024 20:02:09 +0000 /?p=16904 The following joint letter was distributed to members and signed by elected officers of IATSE’s 23 Area Standards Locals: Dear members,Today, the 23 Area Standards Agreement Locals begin negotiations with […]

The post IATSE’s Area Standards Locals Pen Joint Letter as ASA Negotiations Begin appeared first on IATSE.

]]> The following joint letter was distributed to members and signed by elected officers of IATSE’s 23 Area Standards Locals:

Dear members,
Today, the 23 Area Standards Agreement Locals begin negotiations with the AMPTP in Los Angeles, with the ASA Bargaining Committee presenting an initial package of members’ demands.

For nearly a year, we have surveyed and listened to you, our members, and worked with our Local bargaining committees to define your priorities. Partnering with the International bargaining team, we’ve crafted formal proposals that reflect your feedback. Over the next two weeks, our goal is to enhance the working conditions and economic standards of every member working under the Area Standards Agreement.

Our proposals include:

  • Significant wage increases
  • Uniform benefit rate for all jurisdictions with significant increases
  • Protections against AI
  • Improving rest periods and increasing penalties
  • Overtime improvements
  • Additional holidays
  • Revising and/or eliminating specific sideletters
  • Sick leave enhancements.
  • Improved safety and specialized work provisions

Our goal is to build on the foundation we started three years ago by continuing to improve working conditions in the ASA. We are committed to securing substantial contributions into the National Benefit Funds to replenish the fund’s reserves and your individual CAPP accounts to pay for your health insurance. We are also deeply aware of our members’ desire to improve annuity and pension contributions to help secure your future retirement.

Together, we are stronger. We remain united and committed to securing a tentative agreement that all 23 Locals will be pleased to ratify. We will continue to keep you updated throughout this process.

In solidarity,

  • Joseph Miller, Business Agent Local 38
  • Simonette Berry, Business Agent Local 478
  • Melissa Purcell, Business Agent Local 488
  • Gordon Hayman, Business Manager Local 493
  • Robert Morales, Business Representative Local 122
  • Mike Akins, Business Agent Local 479
  • Sierra Robinson, Business Agent Local 488
  • Luis Neftaly Nieves, Business Agent Local 494
  • Cynthia O’Rourke, Business Agent Local 161
  • Bryan Evans, Business Representative Local 480
  • Mike (Bubba) Matesic, Business Agent Local 489
  • Irish Barber, Business Agent Local 665
  • James Butler, Business Agent Local 209
  • Chris O’Donnell, Business Manager Local 481
  • Kellie Larson, Business Agent Local 490
  • Apple Thorne, Business Representative Local 720
  • Pam Boyd, Recording Secretary Local 336
  • Laura King, Business Manager Local 484
  • Darla McGlamery, Business Agent Local 491
  • Rosemarie Levy, Business Representative Local 798
  • Jimmy Roberts, Business Manager Local 477
  • David O’Ferrall, Business Agent Local 487
  • Peter Kurland, Business Agent Local 492
  • Carl Mulert, National Business Agent USA829

The post IATSE’s Area Standards Locals Pen Joint Letter as ASA Negotiations Begin appeared first on IATSE.

]]> 2024 IATSE-AMPTP Pre-Bargaining Update /2024-iatse-amptp-pre-bargaining-update-1/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2024-iatse-amptp-pre-bargaining-update-1 Wed, 14 Feb 2024 21:39:58 +0000 /?p=16282 Ahead of IATSE’s upcoming negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) beginning on March 4, 2024, the union is issuing the following update: This week, the […]

The post 2024 IATSE-AMPTP Pre-Bargaining Update appeared first on IATSE.

]]> Ahead of IATSE’s upcoming negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) beginning on March 4, 2024, the union is issuing the following update:

This week, the ƵNegotiating Committees for the Hollywood Basic Agreement and the Area Standards Agreement continued their ongoing work:

  • Analyzing member feedback gathered through bargaining surveys, local union meetings/town halls, digital communications, and one on one conversations
  • Identifying members’ unique collective priorities
  • Formulating a comprehensive package of proposals and strategic planning based on those priorities.

In other words, the Negotiating Committees—consisting of Ƶmembers representing each of the 38 involved local unions in addition to subject experts, staff, and elected leaders — remain engaged drafting the proposals that address the issues members brought to the committees through the democratic process.

The Communications Subcommittees launched two microsites, and . At launch, these resources included roadmaps of the negotiation process, historical context and past priorities, in-depth negotiation educational videos, and a toolkit featuring “Many Crafts, One Fight” campaign branding. The sites are living documents and will be updated with new information, resources, and announcements regularly.

The Negotiating Committees’ goal is to educate and inform the Ƶmembership through direct communication. ƵMembers should continue to expect to receive accurate and up-to-date information before the press or the general public.

For future bargaining updates, look for direct communications to come via email through your local union, and in some cases subsequently published on the official microsites, IATSE.net, and/or official union social media channels.

The post 2024 IATSE-AMPTP Pre-Bargaining Update appeared first on IATSE.

]]> Tech Meets Labor: ƵHails AFL-CIO, Microsoft Forward-Looking AI Partnership /tech-meets-labor-iatse-hails-afl-cio-microsoft-forward-looking-ai-partnership/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tech-meets-labor-iatse-hails-afl-cio-microsoft-forward-looking-ai-partnership Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:28:14 +0000 /?p=15808 LOS ANGELES, CA — The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) applauds the new partnership between the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Unions (AFL-CIO) and Microsoft […]

The post Tech Meets Labor: ƵHails AFL-CIO, Microsoft Forward-Looking AI Partnership appeared first on IATSE.

]]> LOS ANGELES, CA — The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) applauds the between the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Unions (AFL-CIO) and Microsoft Corp. Ƶis proudly part of the AFL-CIO and is therefore party to the agreement between Microsoft and the labor federation.

The partnership not only opens a dialogue to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) must anticipate the needs of workers and include their voices in its development and implementation, but also offers a new neutrality framework that opens the door for Microsoft worker organizing at AFL-CIO affiliate unions. ƵInternational President Matthew D. Loeb said, “This partnership is an encouraging avenue for continued, productive collaboration between unions, as well as with tech leaders to defend workers’ rights in this era of rapid technological change. We look forward to participating.”

Many of the new partnership’s objectives pertaining to AI echoed IATSE’s Core Principles for Addressing Implementation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Technology, including continuous education for affected workers, joint policy and skill development, and direct feedback from labor leaders and workers. ƵGeneral Secretary-Treasurer James B. Wood and ƵPolitical and Legislative Director Tyler McIntosh were present for the announcement of the partnership at the AFL-CIO’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Animation Guild and ƵOrganizer Ben Speight noted the AFL-CIO’s neutrality framework means Ƶcan and will continue to organize entertainment workers across the United States and Canada, “Microsoft and its subsidiaries are increasingly producers of entertainment, and we believe all entertainment workers deserve the opportunity to democratically elect their union representatives in free and fair elections, regardless of the medium they work in.”

Microsoft entertainment workers interested in joining together with the backing of IATSE, the Union Behind Entertainment, can contact an organizer within minutes via iatse.net/join or .

The post Tech Meets Labor: ƵHails AFL-CIO, Microsoft Forward-Looking AI Partnership appeared first on IATSE.

]]> Ƶ& DGA Issue Joint Comments in Support of Revised Merger Guidelines /iatse-dga-issue-joint-comments-in-support-of-revised-merger-guidelines/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=iatse-dga-issue-joint-comments-in-support-of-revised-merger-guidelines Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:00:00 +0000 /?p=14801 The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) issued joint comments to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Lina M. Khan on Thursday in […]

The post Ƶ& DGA Issue Joint Comments in Support of Revised Merger Guidelines appeared first on IATSE.

]]> The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) issued joint comments to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Lina M. Khan on Thursday in support of FTC and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) proposed changes to the agencies’ Merger Guidelines. The FTC-DOJ Merger Guidelines describe and guide the agencies’ review of mergers and acquisitions to determine compliance with federal antitrust laws.

“Open, competitive, resilient markets have been a bedrock of America’s economic success and dynamism throughout our nation’s history. Faithful and vigorous enforcement of the antitrust laws is key to maintaining that success,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan.

“Unchecked consolidation threatens the free and fair markets upon which our economy is based,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These updated Merger Guidelines respond to modern market realities and will enable the Justice Department to transparently and effectively protect the American people from the damage that anticompetitive mergers cause.”

Both agencies , concluding on September 18, 2023. The agencies will use the public comments to evaluate and update the draft before finalizing the guidelines.

The joint letter, signed by ƵInternational President Matthew D. Loeb and DGA National Executive Director Russell Hollander, commented:

The draft merger guidelines represent an important course correction that will once again allow the Government to review the impact of consolidation and vertical integration in the entertainment industry on our members and other workers in the in film and television industry. The rapid growth of online streaming and the influence of a few dominant technology companies have pushed most of the major studios to withhold sales of feature films and television programs from the open market in a race to build their own subscription streaming platforms that offer exclusive access to their self-produced content. These practices have negatively impacted DGA and Ƶmembers, and other workers by endangering jobs, competitive wages and benefits, residual or re-use payments, working conditions, and opportunities to create a wide range of movies, and television shows.

Despite Congress’ explicit intent that, under the original Sherman Act of 1890, the government consider the impact monopolies and anti-competitive behaviors have on labor markets, regulators focused on the ineffective and short-sighted consumer welfare standard that only considers allocative efficiency and the cost and quality of products and services. The proposed guideline number 11 makes clear that the agencies may, in fact, challenge a transaction on the ground that it substantially lessens competition in a labor market.

The proposed merger guidelines are a step forward for American workers and the labor unions that represent them.

Click here to view the full letter.

The post Ƶ& DGA Issue Joint Comments in Support of Revised Merger Guidelines appeared first on IATSE.

]]> ƵCommends Reps. Chu and Buchanan for Continuing Fight to Restore Tax Fairness for Arts Workers /iatse-commends-reps-chu-and-buchanan-for-continuing-fight-to-restore-tax-fairness-for-arts-workers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=iatse-commends-reps-chu-and-buchanan-for-continuing-fight-to-restore-tax-fairness-for-arts-workers Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:27:44 +0000 /?p=13395 WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) once again introduced the bipartisan Performing Artists Tax Parity Act (PATPA) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The […]

The post ƵCommends Reps. Chu and Buchanan for Continuing Fight to Restore Tax Fairness for Arts Workers appeared first on IATSE.

]]>

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) once again introduced the bipartisan Performing Artists Tax Parity Act (PATPA) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation provides a necessary update to the Qualified Performing Artist (QPA) tax deduction, correcting an unintended consequence of the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act that drastically increased taxes for middle class creative professionals.

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated Unreimbursed Employee Expenses as a tax deduction, which meant W-2 workers lost the ability to deduct expenses incurred while on the job. Ƶmembers such as cinematographers, wardrobe attendants, and make-up artists must now shoulder the cost of the camera equipment, costume alteration tools, and cosmetic supplies necessary to do their jobs. Every year, creative professionals can spend 20% to 30% of their income on necessary expenses to secure and maintain employment.

PATPA garnered considerable bipartisan support last Congress, with 92 House cosponsors and 18 Senate cosponsors signing onto the bill. Ƶreceived positive feedback from House and Senate leadership, as well as the Biden Administration, about including PATPA in the FY23 omnibus government funding bill in December 2022. Unfortunately, Congress could not come to bipartisan agreement on a tax package within the omnibus, meaning PATPA was not able to be included as tax related legislation.

Upon the bill’s reintroduction, ƵInternational President Matthew D. Loeb stated, “While it was disappointing to narrowly miss getting PATPA across the finish line in 2022, we remain greatly encouraged by the bipartisan support that has been built for Representatives Chu and Buchanan’s bill. There is increased awareness in Congress of this issue that has been affecting our members’ financial well-being since well before the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered our industries. With the bill reintroduced, Ƶis working intensely to build on the momentum of last Congress and finally restore tax fairness for thousands of middle class behind-the-scenes entertainment workers.”

Ƶcommends Representatives Chu and Buchanan for continuing the fight to restore tax fairness for arts and entertainment workers by reintroducing the Performing Artists Tax Parity Act. We encourage all members of Congress to support the swift passage of this critical legislation.

**Additional information on PATPA: Eligibility for the QPA deduction has remained unchanged since it was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and limits the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer to $16,000. PATPA would raise the ceiling of QPA eligibility to $100,000 for single taxpayers and $200,000 for couples filing jointly, with a built-in phase out to help transition the taxpayer out of the deduction. If passed, many behind-the scenes entertainment workers would once again be able to deduct expenses incurred in the course of their employment.

The post ƵCommends Reps. Chu and Buchanan for Continuing Fight to Restore Tax Fairness for Arts Workers appeared first on IATSE.

]]> Statement from President Loeb on Workers’ Memorial Day /statement-from-president-loeb-on-workers-memorial-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=statement-from-president-loeb-on-workers-memorial-day Thu, 28 Apr 2022 18:07:32 +0000 /?p=9822 On this Workers Memorial Day, we mourn all who leave home to feed their families and never return. Unions are the best chance workers have at ensuring their safety on […]

The post Statement from President Loeb on Workers’ Memorial Day appeared first on IATSE.

]]> On this , we mourn all who leave home to feed their families and never return. Unions are the best chance workers have at ensuring their safety on the job and we continue to fight for safe conditions and negotiate strong protocols to protect our Ƶkin.

We offer our sympathy for lost workers everywhere and support the right of workers to join unions and demand safer working conditions. Please look out for each other and be well.

The post Statement from President Loeb on Workers’ Memorial Day appeared first on IATSE.

]]> Fox Television Stations (WNYW / WWOR & WTTG / WDCA) Bargaining Update /fox-television-stations-wnyw-wwor-wttg-wdca-bargaining-update/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fox-television-stations-wnyw-wwor-wttg-wdca-bargaining-update Fri, 10 Dec 2021 02:00:25 +0000 /?p=8376 The Ƶrepresentatives entered the meeting eager to continue negotiations, and indicated that management’s primary proposed agreement, dated 11/16, was unlikely to be approved by the members of ƵLocals 794 and 819 absent preservation of core job security provisions. The Union bargaining committee has been holding membership meetings to keep the members informed of the negotiations process and to solicit feedback on bargaining proposals.

The post Fox Television Stations (WNYW / WWOR & WTTG / WDCA) Bargaining Update appeared first on IATSE.

]]> On Tuesday December 7, ƵLocals 794-819, Television Broadcasting Studio Employees Union, met via Zoom with representatives from Fox Television Stations in New York and Maryland for collective bargaining in joint sessions. Attending for Ƶwas:

ƵLocal 794 (New York)

  • Nick Kroudis, Business Agent
  • Merrill Owens, President
  • Dennis Beattie, Shop Steward

ƵLocal 819 (Washington, DC)

  • Robert Al Richardson, Business Agent
  • Bryan Roberts, President
  • Joe Hammond, Shop Steward

Jonas Loeb, ƵInternational, Director of Communications
Kevin Allen, ƵInternational, International Representative
Hope Pordy, Spivak Lipton LLP, Legal Representative

The Ƶrepresentatives entered the meeting eager to continue negotiations, and indicated that management’s primary proposed agreement, dated 11/16, was unlikely to be approved by the members of ƵLocals 794 and 819 absent preservation of core job security provisions. The Union bargaining committee has been holding membership meetings to keep the members informed of the negotiations process and to solicit feedback on bargaining proposals.

While the Company’s proposals contained top-line wage and retirement benefit increases, workers are concerned these are merely a “sugar high”, intentionally distracting from provisions which would enable the Company to erode the Union’s long-term bargaining status and treat unionized broadcast workers as disposable. These provisions include:

  • Offloading subjects of collective bargaining onto Company Handbooks and policies which can change at any time and depriving the Union of its lawful right to bargain over these policies
  • Allowing management to replace union broadcast workers by permitting inexperienced, non-union workers to operate, repair, and/or maintain broadcast and technical equipment.
  • Allowing the Company to kick workers to the curb in times of crisis (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic) with overly permissive Force Majeure language basically letting the Company off-the-hook with respect to its contractual obligations
  • Reducing vacation time while at the same time scheduling excessive overtime at the Company’s discretion
  • Dividing workers into complicated new seniority lists to make it easier to lay off long term employees

Following the presentation of these concerns in a heated exchange, the Company continued to repeatedly claim that the 11/16 Package Proposal is fair and generous with respect to enhancements to bargaining unit employees’ terms and conditions of employment.

In order for the Union to fully understand the 11/16 Package Proposal, its impact on the membership, and the Company’s position with respect to its terms, the Union requested that the Company provide a full costing-out of each of the fifty-five items listed in the 11/16 Package Proposal, including all economic and non-economic terms (e.g. jurisdictional changes), and provide the back-up data relied upon by the Company in preparing the costing out summary. The Union also requested that the Company supplement previously requested information so that the Union is in possession of recent employment data.

The Union requested that this information be provided no later than December 17, 2021 so that Union representatives could fairly evaluate the economic impact of the Company’s proposal on members’ terms and conditions of employment. As of 48 hours after this request was sent on Tuesday at approximately 4:40pm ET, the Union has not received any response, nor are there any additional bargaining dates scheduled at this time.

Negotiations for a successor agreement have been ongoing for over a decade now, beginning in September 2011. So far, the give and take required for productive negotiations has not been proportionate, and the Company has refused to move off their demands to create a more disposable workforce. In this, the Company is turning its back on 75 years of stable labor conditions and a productive labor-management relationship.

The bargaining committee will continue in its resolve to win the best possible contract for the broadcast workers of Locals 794 and 819, and will continue to utilize the tactics necessary to get there.

In Solidarity,
The ƵFox Television Stations (WNYW / WWOR & WTTG / WDCA) Bargaining Committee

The post Fox Television Stations (WNYW / WWOR & WTTG / WDCA) Bargaining Update appeared first on IATSE.

]]> Hispanic Heritage: Nancy Luna /hispanic-heritage-nancy-luna/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hispanic-heritage-nancy-luna Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000 /?p=7611 Nancy Luna has been working in the entertainment industry for fifteen years and has been an Ƶmember for eight. She is a Convention Tradeshow worker and Treasurer for Local […]

The post Hispanic Heritage: Nancy Luna appeared first on IATSE.

]]> Nancy Luna has been working in the entertainment industry for fifteen years and has been an Ƶmember for eight. She is a Convention Tradeshow worker and Treasurer for Local 835 in Orlando Florida.

“As an IA member I wear different hats; I am a journeyman, I build conventions when work is available, I assist with the training department as an instructor and last November I was elected as Treasurer for my Local,” says Luna.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Nancy moved to the United States when she was just 26 years old in 1996, making her a first-generation union member. “My proudest moments have been getting my Citizenship in May of this year, being elected as my Local’s Treasurer, and an Ƶand AFL-CIO Delegate,” she added.

When Nancy’s not working or training instructing for her Local, she volunteers at local food banks with different organizations to feed the homeless.

“I want to be able to continue representing, educating, and helping my Brothers, Sisters and Kin. I want to be able to inspire those that feel that it is too late on your life, that you are not enough or are afraid to try new paths,” she says. “Nothing comes easy but with hard work you can reach your dreams; the only limitation is yourself.”

The post Hispanic Heritage: Nancy Luna appeared first on IATSE.

]]>