Hollywood film sector braces for shutdown amid strike action

Hollywood’s film and television industry is bracing for a shutdown after the union approved strike action

The union that represents some of Hollywood’s most important industry workers has voted to approve a strike action in a bold move that could cause mass disruption to an sector already impacted by COVID-19.

The action could shut down nearly all US film and television productions across the country – not just with Los Angeles.

Members of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees known as IATSE, which covers camera crews, prop masters, hairdressers and other craft workers say they are being worked to death with gruelling hours and no guaranteed rest or meal breaks.

Union members are demanding better work conditions, as well as fairer pay from streaming services to cover their share of labour

Over 50,000 employees that work within the film industry voted overwhelmingly – 98% in favour to just 2% who voted against the stop-work action.

If workers do carry out the stop-work action, the strike would be the biggest walkout in Hollywood since World War Two.

Negotiations between the union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers broke down last month after the IATSE walked away from a deal.

That deal would have improved wages and rest periods, according to the Alliance – and included a nearly $400m pension and health plan.