IATSE Lays Out Contract Proposals, Including “Substantial” Health & Pension Plan Increases, As General Negotiations Begin

deadline.com:

Monday marks the start of general negotiations for IATSE‘s new three-year contract with the studios. Last week, the Affiliated Property Craftspersons Local 44 became the 13th and final local to reach an agreement on craft-specific issues in the Basic Agreement.

Now, the union is laying out some of the proposals it will bring to the table for general talks, which impact all members. In a memo to members over the weekend, IATSE called this leg of negotiations “more complex and consequential, as they encompass the larger and most important issues impacting the crafts.” Among the general proposals are wage increases and residual funding for the health and pension plan, as well as protections against artificial intelligence.

IATSE is also looking to establish a 401(k), increase penalties for rest periods, and enhance sick leave. The union specifically highlighted the need to “secure a substantial amount of additional income” for the Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans, after last year’s work stoppages slowed employer contributions to the funds during a time where claims were going up.

IATSE estimates its proposals will pump another $670M into the funds over the course of the new three-year agreement, if approved by the AMPTP.