Statement: Bectu and UNI Global Union stand with IATSE

UNI Global Union and its entertainment unions have issued a statement of solidarity with IATSE in its campaign to secure better conditions with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

It’s about time! – Statement from UNI Global Union

UNI Global Union, representing more than 20 million workers from over 150 different countries in the skills and services sectors, expresses support with its affiliate, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), in its efforts to secure dignified and safe working conditions for 60,000 workers in the U.S. covered by the agreements under negotiations between IATSE and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

We support the demands and proposal made by IATSE for a living wage, for putting an end to the practice of unsafe working hours and for a fair share in the economic success of streaming productions.

Under the leadership of Matthew D. Loeb, IATSE International President and chair of UNI’s media and entertainment sector, UNI MEI, international union-to-union cooperation has grown and led to the conclusion of agreements in several countries bringing much needed change to the lives of thousands of entertainment workers.

IATSE has been standing with unions around the world in their fight for workers’ rights, dignity at work and trade union recognition. Now, we stand together with IATSE.

U.S. entertainment companies are producing and co-producing all over the world with an important footprint on production cultures and working conditions. Insufficient daily and weekly rest periods are widespread and are part of a pattern largely driven by AMPTP member companies.

It’s about time to change this pattern in the U.S. and the global entertainment industry. The companies need to do better and provide their behind-the-scenes crews conditions that ensure dignity at work. The AMPTP’s failure to recognise the real-world issues workers are facing is a roadblock to creating a more sustainable business model that provides for work-life balance, fair pay and safety.

UNI General Secretary Christy Hoffman said:  “It’s about time that the multinational companies represented by the AMPTP recognize that change needs to come. Putting an end to the long hours culture in the U.S. and the global film industry is overdue.”

Philippa Childs, Head of Bectu and Vice President of UNI MEI said: “All 150 member unions in UNI’s media and entertainment sector stand with IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb, his team and all IATSE brothers and sisters in this fight. The practice of excessive working hours is a global threat to the health of entertainment workers and the sustainability of careers. We will continue to support and work with IATSE to bring about change.”