IATSE Pauses Negotiations with AMPTP on Area Standards Agreement
IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, has decided to pause negotiations on the Area Standards Agreement (ASA) with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) without reaching a deal. The second week of negotiations has concluded, but both parties have agreed to continue discussions later this month.
Initially, IATSE shifted focus to the ASA after failing to reach a Basic Agreement with the AMPTP. The ASA covers film and TV workers outside of Los Angeles and includes 23 locals across the country. Despite reaching tentative deals with 13 individual locals, an agreement on the ASA was not achieved.
International President Matthew D. Loeb expressed gratitude to the ASA Negotiating Committee for their efforts and highlighted the importance of reaching a tentative agreement soon. Negotiations for the Basic Agreement are scheduled to resume from June 3 to June 5, with calls for more transparency within IATSE.
Recent concerns arose when the California EDD threatened to eliminate loan-outs, impacting freelancers who rely on this practice for tax benefits. Hollywood unions raised objections, leading to a reversal of the decision. While no new agreements have been made, the continuation of negotiations brings hope for a resolution. Talks are ongoing, and the focus will shift back to Basic Agreement discussions next week.
