Dear Comrades,

Members of IATSE — the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees — who are the working-class backbone of the TV programs, films, and streaming content that provide entertainment and comfort to millions around the world are preparing for a potential strike across the film and television industries.

IATSE workers are mobilizing to win a union contract that guarantees basic human necessities like adequate sleep, meal breaks, and living wages from the wealthiest media corporations and studios in the world, and they need your support.

Today, October 1st, 60,000 IATSE workers across the country will vote to authorize a historic strike amid a stand-still in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Here’s how you can help:

1. Take two minutes to sign their petition demanding that The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and the studios provide equitable treatment for the unsung heroes of the entertainment industry?

Click here to sign the petition and please use the tools to share our message with your friends, family, and colleagues on social media.

2. Post on social media about IATSE! Use hashtags #IATSEsolidarity #IATSEstrike #IATSEvoteyes and tag @iatse.

3. Follow, signal boost, and re-share content from @ia_stories, @iatse, and our local @iatse478

4. Talk to your friends, family, coworkers about what a strike in the motion picture and TV industry means- and what we can learn from this moment for labor organizing in the future.

5. At our September General Meeting, New Orleans DSA membership voted to stand in solidarity with IATSE workers in this fight. Keep in touch with us beyond this vote and be ready to step up should the strike move forward.

6. Got an IATSE comrade? Get in touch with them, ask them what they need at this time, and send them your support.

Feel free to email us at [email protected] or [email protected] to keep in touch and get involved!

In Solidarity,
New Orleans DSA

Further Reading:
Jacobin Article written by Los Angeles DSA Member re: Hollywood workers
Updates and background on Basic Agreement Negotiations
Endless reports of long workdays
Basic Agreement Bargaining Update:
Statement on Negotiations from IATSE President on Sep 20
Jacobin Article on Film Workers
IATSE calling for a second strike for the Area Standards Agreement

Support IATSE Workers
Image Credit: Michael Borenstein

New to DSA? Check out our chapter's new member resources here. If you've got any questions about how to get involved or the work our chapter is doing, give us a shout at [email protected].

Not yet a member? The most important tool that the working class has is organization. We're strong when we fight together. We have to build a durable, mass political organization to wield the kind of power we need to win real change in our society. If you aren't a dues-paying member of DSA yet, join today!

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