Teamsters Relieved Contentious Talks Are Over: ‘We Don’t Need to Strike’
variety.comGene Maddaus Senior Media Writer Teamsters are breathing a sigh of relief this week, after the union concluded six weeks of contentious studio negotiations with a tentative agreement on Saturday night.
The deal provides the same wage increases — 7%, 4%, and 3.5% — negotiated by IATSE and SAG-AFTRA. Aside from that, the main thing it provides is assurance that the industry won’t shut down again, so soon after the writers and actors strikes last year. “I’m glad we have a contract.
We don’t need to strike,” said Johnny Agnew, a Teamsters Local 399 member. “A lot of people haven’t worked in a year. I’m hoping production ramps up and we can get all of our people working.” Despite the tough economic times, the union leadership went to the bargaining table with an aggressive set of demands.
Lindsay Dougherty, the secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 399 cover Hollywood drivers, sought a double-digit increase in wage minimums.
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