As the entertainment industry strives to make a comeback after the pandemic-induced hiatus, there has been uproar among the labor unions that represent professionals in the field. The infamous strike activity that happened on November 2021 by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is one such example that the entertainment industry is struggling to come to terms with. With calls for better working conditions and benefits, it’s time to take a look into the demands of the entertainment union and find out the reasons behind their strike actions.
First and foremost, the main reason behind IATSE’s strike actions is to obtain better working conditions for its members. The long working hours that are often endured by people in the entertainment industry have been known for taking a toll on their mental and physical health. This has only been made worse by the pandemic, which saw an increase in precarious employment and the inflation of job duties.
Another key issue is job security. Members of IATSE, like all entertainment workers, often work on a project-by-project basis, often without knowing when the next job will come, or being guaranteed to have a job after a project ends. This lack of stability is especially stressful considering the financial burden that comes with healthcare and other living expenses.
The issue of pay is also a significant concern. Many union members feel that their hourly wage does not adequately compensate for the level of skill and effort required for jobs in the entertainment industry. Additionally, the union seeks to ensure that its members have a fair share of residuals, which are payments made by studios or production companies for the repeated use of a particular work.
In conclusion, the demands of the entertainment union are based on the desire to create better working conditions by addressing the major issues of job security, pay, and working hours. The recent pandemic and its impact on the industry have heightened the severity of these issues, resulting in a much broader call for change in the industry. It’s time for producers and studios to come together with unions and workers to find a sustainable solution to the problems that have long plagued the industry.
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