After years of organizing, production workers on commercials have negotiated their first union contract.
The Production Workers Guild (IATSE Local 111), which emerged from a sprawling grassroots campaign that culminated in a national union two years ago, officially ratified its first contract with the Association of Independent Commercial Producers on Tuesday. Results of the ratification vote were not immediately available.
The new contract brings workers working in an array of production roles up to par with their unionized colleagues in other departments on meal penalties, safety procedures, travel day compensation and call cancellation policies.
The deal also breaks new ground on issues specific to this group. It gets rid of “exempt” classifications, with overtime and holiday contract language applying to every member. It lowers the threshold for union members to gain access to their health plan from 100 days to 80 days and authorizes those working for union signatory companies that are not a part of the AICP to get one year of health coverage. Any requirements for workers to use their own bank accounts for petty cash or wire transfers are banned, and union members cannot be held liable for petty cash variances out of their control under the terms of the contract.
Turnaround time contract language, guaranteed daily cell phone reimbursement and the ability for members to be paid through their loan-out companies are also included.
Local 111 national chair Chris Valdez told The Hollywood Reporter that the deal’s significance is all about “safety, safety, safety.” He explained, “The big motivation for this movement and organizing was we were working without any kind of safeties in terms of turnaround and things like that, and we had a lot of folks that were getting worked pretty hard into some dangerous territory as far as hours. So now we have on-par amenities with the CPA [IATSE’s commercial production agreement]… That’s the biggest win, is we have guardrails going forward within our department.”
The contract applies to around 5,000 workers across hundreds of production companies, according to the union. Production assistants, production supervisors, assistant production supervisors, line producers and bidding producers are all subject to the new deal.
“This ratified agreement is the culmination of four years of activism and organizing born out of the grassroots ‘Stand With Production’ movement,” IATSE international president Matthew D. Loeb said in a statement. “This first agreement sets a foundation that we will look to build upon for the future, with talks for a successor agreement just three years away.” THR has reached out to the AICP for comment.
In 2021, a walkoff of commercial production workers on a difficult multimillion-dollar ad campaign for a tech company sparked a larger grassroots movement. The group, “Stand With Production,” began hosting meetings on Zoom for colleagues and ultimately started attempting to build a union. IATSE joined the effort officially in 2022 and a card count led to the certification of the union the next year.
Cheyenne Cage and Erin Wile were two production workers that took part in the original commercial walkoff and became key organizers of the unionizing effort. In a statement on Thursday, Cage and Wile looked back at what the deal means. They said that while no first contracts are perfect, the deal “lays an essential foundation for the future” and “marks the first large-scale representation of production assistants anywhere in the entertainment industry, and we see it as a historic step forward.”
Commercial Production Workers Ratify First Union Contract
historic Milestone in the commercial Production Industry
The ratification of the first-ever union contract by commercial production workers represents a groundbreaking achievement in the industry’s labor landscape. This notable event highlights the growing movement toward unionization among commercial production professionals seeking better wages, improved working conditions, and more robust employee protections.
Commercial production workers, who play a critical role in the creation of advertisements, promotional videos, and multimedia projects, have long struggled to gain voice and security in one of the fastest-evolving fields. The newly ratified contract not only empowers workers but also sets a precedent for others in the creative and production sectors.
Key Provisions of the First Union Contract
This landmark agreement, negotiated between the union representatives and production management, comprises several importent provisions designed to enhance the quality of work life for commercial production workers. Some of the most notable contract highlights include:
- Competitive Wage Increases: Scheduled periodic raises to ensure compensation keeps pace with industry growth and inflation.
- Benefits Package: Access to health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave options.
- Work Hours and Overtime: Clear guidelines on standard hours and overtime pay to prevent exploitative scheduling.
- Job Security: Increased protections against arbitrary layoffs and contract terminations.
- Safety and Equipment Standards: Mandatory safety protocols and access to necesary protective gear on set and in studios.
Table: Snapshot of Contract Highlights
| Contract Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Wage Increases | 5% annual raise for 3 years |
| Health Benefits | Full coverage with opt-in family plans |
| Overtime Pay | 1.5x regular rate after 40 hrs/week |
| Job Security | Notice period & severance protections |
| Safety Protocols | Onset PPE and regular training |
Benefits of Ratifying a Union Contract for Commercial Production workers
Unionized commercial production workers now enjoy a variety of benefits that directly impact their professional and personal lives.
- Enhanced Collective Bargaining Power: Workers negotiate as a single entity, which strengthens their ability to secure fair wages and conditions.
- Legal Portrayal and Support: Access to union legal support helps resolve workplace disputes and contract enforcement issues.
- Improved Workplace Safety: Union presence ensures adherence to health and safety standards, reducing risks during on-location shoots and studio work.
- Career Development Opportunities: Union-provided training programs equip members with skills for advancement.
- Greater Job Stability: Contracts formalize job security, reducing arbitrary layoffs and mitigating seasonal employment fluctuations.
Case Study: Unionization Impact on a Commercial Production Company
One mid-sized commercial production company recently underwent the transition to becoming a union shop. The outcomes observed after contract ratification included:
- Reduction in employee turnover by 25%
- 15% increase in overall job satisfaction according to internal surveys
- Completion of projects with higher morale and fewer labor disputes
- Positive client feedback related to workforce professionalism and stability
Practical Tips for Commercial Production workers considering Unionization
For commercial production workers contemplating union membership and contract negotiations, here are some practical pointers to navigate the process successfully:
- Educate Yourself: Understand your rights, the union’s mission, and the benefits of collective bargaining.
- Build Solidarity: Connect with colleagues to foster a unified front when addressing management.
- Communicate Openly: Participate in union meetings and voice concerns to shape effective contract proposals.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of industry standards to negotiate contracts that meet or exceed prevailing conditions.
- Utilize Legal Counsel: Engage with union legal advisors before signing any agreements to ensure your interests are protected.
First-Hand experience: Voices from Commercial Production Union Members
“Ratifying our first union contract was transformational. We feel heard and protected for the first time in this industry. Our wages, benefits, and working conditions have improved significantly.” – Jordan M., Camera Operator
“The union contract brought openness and fairness to our schedules. No more last-minute overtime without compensation. It’s a new era for our team.” – Lisa T., Production Assistant
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