LOS ANGELES, CA — IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb released the following statement:
“The IATSE stands behind the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) in their pursuit of a fair, protective agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Studios (AMPTP). This is an industry that can afford to provide dignity and security to the full extent of its workforce. We support their efforts to reach agreement on the issues of this moment like artificial intelligence and gaining an appropriate share of the spoils of streaming reaped by the studios, networks and streamers.
Our unions are bound not only by our similar priorities, but also by our common experiences as the workers behind the film and television industry. The challenges faced last year, particularly during the strikes led by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, highlighted the immense power of solidarity across our unions. Only together is it possible for us to build a film and television industry where every worker is valued and their contributions recognized whether their labor takes place on or off screen.
Unfortunately, I am unable to personally attend AFM’s negotiations with the studios due to prior commitments. However, I encourage all IATSE members and supporters of the Hollywood labor movement to attend AFM’s rally on Monday, January 22 at 9 a.m. in front of the AMPTP headquarters in Sherman Oaks.
WHERE: Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers Headquarters, Sherman Oaks Galleria – Building E, 15301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 22 – Gathering: 8:30 a.m., Rally: 9–11 a.m.
RSVP: bit.ly/FS4M-rsvp
In solidarity,
Matthew D. Loeb
IATSE International President”