Teamsters accept studios' offer, averting a strike threat

[Omaha Steve]

Source: LA Times

-- Richard Verrier

Hollywood drivers on Sunday accepted a proposed contract from the studios, averting a strike that could have caused widespread disruptions to production across the country.

The vote came after last-minute negotiations Saturday yielded a compromise that mollified leaders of Teamsters Local 399, who were prepared to seek a strike authorization vote from members.

The two sides had been locked in a standoff over pay rates for more than 3,000 drivers who deliver equipment and stars to film and TV sets.

The studios offered an increase in health-plan contributions and a proposed 2% annual pay increase for drivers. Teamsters wanted a 3% increase, the same rate given to other unions, especially their rival union, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.


Read more: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/

[MilesColtrane]

1. Two points.

1) I don't believe I.A.T.S.E. is considered a "rival". The stagehands do different work than the Teamsters.

2) Solidarity in a union brings real, tangible benefits to the working man and woman. Always has. Always will.

[demosincebirth]

2. +1

[Ex Lurker]

3. on the one hand, I'm for working people getting a better deal. on the other..

Hollywood could shut down tomorrow and it wouldn't affect my life in the least. I haven't set foot in a movie theatre in years, and haven't owned a TV since the digital switchover.

[JI7]

5. it's not just the movies itself, there are many other people like caterers and other small business

types who get affected.

during the writers strike i had to do some work near the studios and a lot of the local businesses were slow because of it. i'm not talking about expensive places that weren't getting the big name actors, ,producers etc. but the places that mostly those lower level people who don't make a lot usually shop at.

people like these drivers.

[Javaman]

6. That has to be one of the most incredibly ignorant statements I have read on DU

in sometime.

[Sherman A1]

4. Glad that they were able to reach an agreement

I hope it does well for all involved.