Teamsters Union warns against harsh rhetoric in studio conversations

The Teamsters union told its Hollywood members on Wednesday that it expects “fear mongering” from the studios in the coming weeks, a sign that the two sides remain far apart in negotiations.

The union negotiates on behalf of approximately 6,500 truck drivers, animal care workers and site managers. Their contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers expires on July 31.

IATSE, which represents about 65,000 crew members, received a preliminary agreement last week after three months of talks without any outward sign of hostility. But in two membership updates, Teamsters Local 399 has made some pointed comments about the studios.

“We expect that in the coming weeks the companies will attempt to use fear-mongering tactics against the reasonable terms our members are fighting for in these negotiations,” the union said on Wednesday. “Our members are not expected to balance the budget of the company’s poor business decisions over the past year.”

Teamsters Local 399 negotiates jointly with four smaller unions, which collectively represent approximately 8,000 employees.

Key issues in the negotiations include across-the-board wage increases, artificial intelligence and measures to curb subcontracting.

IATSE received raises of 7%, 4% and 3.5% over the three years of its contract, in line with the raises given to SAG-AFTRA last fall. The Teamsters participate in the same benefit plans as IATSE, and those issues have already been resolved, with an agreement to cover a $700 million shortfall with new residuals from streaming platforms.

The Teamsters’ negotiations currently run through July 19, but could be extended beyond that date if necessary. The union has already said it will not agree to an extension of the contract beyond the July 31 expiration date.

The union previously accused the AMPTP of a ‘perceived lack of urgency’.

“Next week we hope that the AMPTP will be ready to come back to the table and be prepared to negotiate and ‘concern“about the issues facing our members,” the union said on Wednesday. “As previously shared, we have no interest in negotiating against ourselves.”

The union has not experienced a work stoppage since the studios locked it out in 1988. Before negotiations began, Teamsters leader Lindsay Dougherty said a strike is unlikely this time.