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IATSE (The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) announced Wednesday that they will begin a nationwide strike at 12:01 am on Monday, October 18th - if a deal does not come together.
For months, IATSE has been negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, about getting higher pay, stronger benefits, better working hours, and even residuals from streaming services. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is the group that represents all major film and television companies.
If the strike indeed takes place, thousands of union workers that work in the entertainment industry will work off the job, Monday, if a deal is not reached with studios. This would likely shut down Hollywood if it takes place and would be the first strike in IATSE's history.
Matthew D. Loeb, IATSE President, stated in a press release:
“However, the pace of bargaining doesn’t reflect any sense of urgency,” ... “Without an end date, we could keep talking forever. Our members deserve to have their basic needs addressed now.”
IATSE has 60,000 members, with an estimated 47,000 based in Los Angeles. Editors, camera operators, set designers, grips, electricians, make-up artists, and graphic designers are all represented by IATSE.
If the strike takes place, this would be a historic day in Hollywood.