May 1, 2023

Message to IATSE Local 33 Members Working under NBC, CBS, ABC, Television City,

Days of Our Lives, and Theatrical Resources Collective Bargaining Agreements Concerning Potential Writers Guild (WGA) Against AMPTP

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

As you are no doubt aware, the Writers Guild of America is likely to go on strike against the AMPTP on May 2, 2023. It is possible, of course, that our brothers, sisters, and siblings in the WGA will picket in front of our workplaces.

IATSE International President Matthew Loeb has stated, “IATSE supports the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) in their collective fight to win a fair contract from Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on behalf of the talented workers they represent.”

He has also issued written guidance to our brothers, sisters, and siblings in the backlot locals, explaining their right to choose not to cross WGA’s picket lines.

I want to make sure you are aware of your rights under Local 33’s collective bargaining agreements with NBC, CBS, ABC, Television City, Days of Our Lives, and Theatrical Resources.

Each of those agreements contains the following language (or language that is identical in substance):

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, the Company shall not require any employee covered hereunder to pass through a legal picket line when the establishment of such picket line has been authorized or approved by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and the refusal of any such employee to pass through such a picket line shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees or the Union.  Furthermore, the Company shall not require any employee covered hereunder to perform the duties of employees in other collective bargaining units who are on strike against the Company.

This provision means that each employee has the right to make their own individual choice whether to cross a picket line during the upcoming WGA strike. You may not be terminated or otherwise retaliated against for making the choice not to cross a picket line, though of course you will not be paid if you do not work.

To be clear, Local 33 is not instructing you or encouraging you to refrain from crossing a picket line. We simply want to make sure you are aware of your rights and encourage you to follow your conscience.

It is also possible that your employer will set up a “neutral gate,” where there is no picket line. If so, you will be required to report to work so long as no picket line is present.

Please contact me immediately if your employer retaliates against you because of your individual choice not to cross the picket line. And of course, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Fraternally,

Ron Valentine

Business Representative – Television and Shops