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Teamsters To Push For Better Wages, Pension Benefits In Studio Negotiations Soon
The Hollywood sign is seen as it is repainted in preparation for its 100th anniversary in 2023.
(
Robyn Beck
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AFP via Getty Images
)
Topline:
Teamsters Local 399, which represents approximately 6,500 people who work in Hollywood as drivers, animal wranglers and other trades, will begin negotiations on pension and health benefits next week with the AMPTP, which represents the studios.
Why it matters: After 2023’s dual strikes by SAG-AFTRA and WGA West, another work stoppage would have a deleterious impact on Los Angeles and the people who directly and indirectly rely on the entertainment industry for their livelihoods.
For the first time since 1988, the Teamsters and other Hollywood Basic Crafts are bargaining the pension and health benefits part of their contract together with IATSE, the latter of which represents more than 150,000 entertainment workers — approximately 60,000 of whom are affected by the contracts about to be renegotiated.
What the Teamsters want: Lindsay Dougherty, Local 399’s boss as well as the Teamsters motion picture director, is seeking better wages and working conditions for her members. Dougherty, who garnered some local renown with her fiery solidarity last year in support of the writers and actors on strike, is currently adopting a more diplomatic stance entering negotiations. At the same time, she’s clear that her workers need a living wage in Southern California and that she expects streaming residuals to help fund her members’ health and pension benefits.
This story is published in partnership with The Ankler, a paid subscription publication about the entertainment industry.
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