wow. terrific. Not my place to say what should work for them. Whatever they’re okay with, I’m happy for them. Freakin’ terrific! Let’s all work!
Alex • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
In this economy, that is no surprise.
OY • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
not worried? Hmph. Hope to high hell that got a minimum of 2.5% increase- incremental or otherwise or the rest of the unions can kiss it too.
Jk5000 • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
I wonder who caved– er, compromised.
JoeS • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
It wasn’t until a few days ago that rumblings on sets from drivers began. It was pretty amazing that were supposedly THIS close to a work stoppage, yet few folks were even mentioning it.
So, no big surprise that the Teamsters signed on without much of a tussle.
unionguy • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
Most teamsters I spoke with, were not worried about it. Most of them thought it was going to be as it turned out..minor drama. But, boy were people talking at my studio…phew.
Anonymous • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
yea i wouldn’t say they weren’t worried, they were quite concerned actually…lots of meetings on how to deal with it if it actually happened.
PrettyPlease? • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
I completely sympathize with “let’s all work!” but, does it bear ANY connection to reality?
“In this economy.” You mean this RECORD-BREAKING ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY economy?
Until and unless the entertainment unions grow balls and re-familiarize themselves with negotiating, it’s just downhill.
“WE ARE THE TEAMSTERS!!!!!! WE TAKE NO SH – what? Um, just a sec ladies and gentlemen… newsflash! – we’ve… apparently… we’ve AGREED TO 2% and… our President gave his counterpart a kiss on the mouth!”
“WE ARE THE UNION, THE MIGHTY MIGHTY UNION!!!!!!!”
“If they pull phasing out residuals, the whole TOWN will strike!!!!!!!”
“This contract is UN-SIGNABLE! WE MUST PUT OUT A STRIKE AUTHORIZATION!!!! The vote… is… 97 to 3 of the SAG National Board to send it out!! – CLEARLY the Board realizes this is simply not – huh? you – what? Wait a sec, ladies and gentlemen, I’m being told… the situation … seems to … be changing. Changed. The situation has changed.”
2 Core principals of SAG!!!! (Written by Richard Masur – with all the PRIDE AND COMMITMENT OF A FORMER PRESIDENT OF SAG! – albeit one who said during his presidency, “during my presidency, SAG will never strike…” small, small-ish detail…)
1. “SAG will not accept non-union work in its own contract!!!!!”
2. “SAG demands fair payment for ALL re-use of it’s members work!!!!!!!!!”
“WE REFUSE TO ACCEPT ONE IOTA LESS – uh, just a sec, ladies and gentleman… the Presidents of SAG and AFTRA are releasing word via their own W&W’s that… the upcoming contract will be a show, and will be signed no matter what, and then, the unions will merge in 2011…”
“STRIKE IN THIS ECONOMIC CLIMATE!!! THAT IS INSA – uh, hold on a minute ladies and gentlemen… the, uh, let me get this straight… the latest figures show Warner Brothers having a record year. This follows a record 2009 for the entire theatrical box-office of the industry, HBO made a Billion dollars last year, the other pay-TV outlets – Showtime, Starz, Encore are doing well, Cable is booming, network broadcasting is announcing the network ad is still the best bang for an advertisers buck, and upfronts are solid.”
But, the DGA, WGA, SAG, AFTRA, Teamsters and IATSE are appearing on Milk-Cartons. Please, please – if ANYONE sees any of these organizations, call their Mommy’s and Daddy’s, they miss them and want them home.
JoeS • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
I didn’t mean to imply that there was “no” reason to worry, but the confidence level that no union (let alone, a below-the-line local) would strike in this economy was pretty darn high so close to a “deadline”.
But, I also agree with those who say that the entertainment biz is doing pretty well overall, and that the unions must make a stand at some point or they will continue to be steamrolled year after year (one doesn’t have to look any further than the cuts in medical coverage over the last decade).
Say what you will about the Writers. Although their negotiating tactics were woefully inept, at least they had the courage of their convictions and actually initiated a work action.
What's your problem, Mulhern (above)? • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
Besides the psychotropic drugs and the need to call yourself PrettyPlease…..
Comedymaven • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
They took 2% instead of the 3 they wanted, and gave up some meal, and certification/licensing reimbursements.
Tmarc • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
The Teamsters didn’t give up anything got a 2% raise some other perks 50 cents an hour in to there medical plan all paid by the studios, sounds like a good deal to me. If you add the 2% plus the 50 cents and other perks its more than 3%. Your right the TEAMSTERS ARE BAD ASS.
“pretty please?” you’re an idiot. Just because the company you work for (not really true in the case of Unions, as you work for the Union) is making money DOES NOT mean you should make more.
Let me enlighten you: 10% unemployment Country wide (it’s actually higher), 15% LA unemployment (again, it’s higher), productions moving OUT of Cali because of cost (due directly to Unions and the politicians they back), fewer films made this year than last, and the outlook for the economy is very gloomy while Obama is still in Office. Get it?
I wonder if this comment will make it through?
criticshaveheart • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
What really kills me about the -It’s all Obama’s fault- fan club is that they think it really is. The dilution that Obama started his office with the state of the economy rosy. I’m no fan of how the Gulf spill – and the war is continuing to devolve and destroy.
However to imply that the economy is where it is because of Obama rather than a result of the previous President is obtuse and insulting to anyone with the ability to think past there partisan insanity.
Grow up, no one is perfect but when you jump into a sandbox that’s filled with cat crap it can take a while to adjust to the smell and work out how to make some kind of sense of it.
Marshall • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
Good News. We all need to focus on work and working stuff out in this economic climate. Agree with Sterling Wolfe above Let’s ALL work!!!!!
2012 or Bust! • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
Unions were founded in an effort to eliminate exploitation by the major movie studios. Their contracts were notorious for allowing the companies to dictate the public and private lives of workers. Have we come full circle?
Understandable deal but what kind of message is Will Work for Food and 50c more per for health benefits? Let’s focus on a strong future.
PrettyPlease? • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
Mark:
“pretty please?” you’re an idiot. Just because the company you work for (not really true in the case of Unions, as you work for the Union) is making money DOES NOT mean you should make more.”
______________________________________
Yeah, lets… take a look at that statement. First of all, the main thrust of at least the SAG 2008-2009 initiative was “don’t GIVE BACK clip consent, product placement protections, force majeure, and YOU MUST GET a fair deal in new media, RIGHT OFF THE BAT, which MUST be some verifiable form of profit sharing” to insure the producers, when, not if, new media takes off, don’t abscond with the vast majority of the profits, just as they did in Home/Video-DVD and Cable, where they also promised, promised, promised! to make it right when they established a business model and a profit stream, then made it clear the last 25 years they were LYING THROUGH THEIR FANGS.
Are you fucking SERIOUS?
So, “more money?” Well, certainly sensible, cost of living increases in minimums, for a membership the “A-list” dismissed (the vast majority of the rank and file) by saying “This is an INSANE time to strike,” which, we knew then (some of us) and absolutely know know (some of us) was either personal greed (don’t stop my A-lister gravy train) or just plain ignorance of the history of the union, the fact that every single gain in benefits had been accomplished over the decades by SAG negotiators who understood unionism IS CONFLICT, as in, “you don’t get what you don’t ask, then fight for, and you will certainly LOSE what you don’t strike, or threaten to strike, to protect.”
Duh.
The Entertainment Industry had a RECORD YEAR Box Office 2009 – the EXACT OPPOSITE of what was predicted by the “A-list” wobblies and their enablers – agents, managers, lawyers, wobbly, moderate SAG, and perennial “where do we sign?!” AFTRA.
This is because, those who were EDUCATED about the history of the union understood the ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS IS ONE OF THE FEW BUSINESSES THAT DOES WELL DURING ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS BECAUSE IT IS COMPARATIVLEY CHEAPER FOR A FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL TO SEE A MOVIE OR WATCH A TV PROGRAM.
This, of course, STARTS WITH, SAG’S creation, by actors threatened with 50% pay cuts, just, “cause,” by greed-head Hollywood producers in 1933 – producers who laid it off on the Great Depression, and those actors put their LIVES (don’t kid yourself – early unionism was a bare knuckled and sometimes shotgun game) as well as their careers, on the line TO CREATE SAG.
The excuses for the PROFOUND weakness being displayed by the entertainment unions – ESPECIALLY SAG – and tin the Entertainment Industry – one of our TOP EXPORTS – hanging by a thread. A thread.
The big, tough Teamsters CAVE?
Look, nothing has changed since 1933. You allow yourself to be treated like a pussy – you’re a pussy. Period.
“I have bills to pay, I have praaaaaaaablems” – so does everyone else you gutless cowards.
Shame on this industry’s unions. They ALL suck – every single one.
Anonymous • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
The big bad Teamsters did not cave 2% plus 50 cents per hr into the medical plan plus other perks add up to more than 3%, who caved?????
Pat • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
Still waiting on the full story….
Gary Watts • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
Teamsters Set the Stage for a Lockout in 2012
You have been warned, So save your money.
~ Gary Watts ~
Gary Watts • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
May be you should read the proposal they where handing out at the ratification meeting.
Oh…that right…. There where no handouts.
Oh…that right…. There was nothing in writing for the members.
Oh…that right…. There was no time to get it to the printer.
What……Bull Shit !!!
~ Gary Watts ~
Patrick Dougherty • on Jul 25, 2010 11:49 am
It seems like the studios are leaving town, and not taking us with them. Lot of stuff being shot overseas.
wow. terrific. Not my place to say what should work for them. Whatever they’re okay with, I’m happy for them. Freakin’ terrific! Let’s all work!
In this economy, that is no surprise.
not worried? Hmph. Hope to high hell that got a minimum of 2.5% increase- incremental or otherwise or the rest of the unions can kiss it too.
I wonder who caved– er, compromised.
It wasn’t until a few days ago that rumblings on sets from drivers began. It was pretty amazing that were supposedly THIS close to a work stoppage, yet few folks were even mentioning it.
So, no big surprise that the Teamsters signed on without much of a tussle.
Most teamsters I spoke with, were not worried about it. Most of them thought it was going to be as it turned out..minor drama. But, boy were people talking at my studio…phew.
yea i wouldn’t say they weren’t worried, they were quite concerned actually…lots of meetings on how to deal with it if it actually happened.
I completely sympathize with “let’s all work!” but, does it bear ANY connection to reality?
“In this economy.” You mean this RECORD-BREAKING ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY economy?
Until and unless the entertainment unions grow balls and re-familiarize themselves with negotiating, it’s just downhill.
“WE ARE THE TEAMSTERS!!!!!! WE TAKE NO SH – what? Um, just a sec ladies and gentlemen… newsflash! – we’ve… apparently… we’ve AGREED TO 2% and… our President gave his counterpart a kiss on the mouth!”
“WE ARE THE UNION, THE MIGHTY MIGHTY UNION!!!!!!!”
“If they pull phasing out residuals, the whole TOWN will strike!!!!!!!”
“This contract is UN-SIGNABLE! WE MUST PUT OUT A STRIKE AUTHORIZATION!!!! The vote… is… 97 to 3 of the SAG National Board to send it out!! – CLEARLY the Board realizes this is simply not – huh? you – what? Wait a sec, ladies and gentlemen, I’m being told… the situation … seems to … be changing. Changed. The situation has changed.”
2 Core principals of SAG!!!! (Written by Richard Masur – with all the PRIDE AND COMMITMENT OF A FORMER PRESIDENT OF SAG! – albeit one who said during his presidency, “during my presidency, SAG will never strike…” small, small-ish detail…)
1. “SAG will not accept non-union work in its own contract!!!!!”
2. “SAG demands fair payment for ALL re-use of it’s members work!!!!!!!!!”
“WE REFUSE TO ACCEPT ONE IOTA LESS – uh, just a sec, ladies and gentleman… the Presidents of SAG and AFTRA are releasing word via their own W&W’s that… the upcoming contract will be a show, and will be signed no matter what, and then, the unions will merge in 2011…”
“STRIKE IN THIS ECONOMIC CLIMATE!!! THAT IS INSA – uh, hold on a minute ladies and gentlemen… the, uh, let me get this straight… the latest figures show Warner Brothers having a record year. This follows a record 2009 for the entire theatrical box-office of the industry, HBO made a Billion dollars last year, the other pay-TV outlets – Showtime, Starz, Encore are doing well, Cable is booming, network broadcasting is announcing the network ad is still the best bang for an advertisers buck, and upfronts are solid.”
But, the DGA, WGA, SAG, AFTRA, Teamsters and IATSE are appearing on Milk-Cartons. Please, please – if ANYONE sees any of these organizations, call their Mommy’s and Daddy’s, they miss them and want them home.
I didn’t mean to imply that there was “no” reason to worry, but the confidence level that no union (let alone, a below-the-line local) would strike in this economy was pretty darn high so close to a “deadline”.
But, I also agree with those who say that the entertainment biz is doing pretty well overall, and that the unions must make a stand at some point or they will continue to be steamrolled year after year (one doesn’t have to look any further than the cuts in medical coverage over the last decade).
Say what you will about the Writers. Although their negotiating tactics were woefully inept, at least they had the courage of their convictions and actually initiated a work action.
Besides the psychotropic drugs and the need to call yourself PrettyPlease…..
They took 2% instead of the 3 they wanted, and gave up some meal, and certification/licensing reimbursements.
The Teamsters didn’t give up anything got a 2% raise some other perks 50 cents an hour in to there medical plan all paid by the studios, sounds like a good deal to me. If you add the 2% plus the 50 cents and other perks its more than 3%. Your right the TEAMSTERS ARE BAD ASS.
“pretty please?” you’re an idiot. Just because the company you work for (not really true in the case of Unions, as you work for the Union) is making money DOES NOT mean you should make more.
Let me enlighten you: 10% unemployment Country wide (it’s actually higher), 15% LA unemployment (again, it’s higher), productions moving OUT of Cali because of cost (due directly to Unions and the politicians they back), fewer films made this year than last, and the outlook for the economy is very gloomy while Obama is still in Office. Get it?
I wonder if this comment will make it through?
What really kills me about the -It’s all Obama’s fault- fan club is that they think it really is. The dilution that Obama started his office with the state of the economy rosy. I’m no fan of how the Gulf spill – and the war is continuing to devolve and destroy.
However to imply that the economy is where it is because of Obama rather than a result of the previous President is obtuse and insulting to anyone with the ability to think past there partisan insanity.
Grow up, no one is perfect but when you jump into a sandbox that’s filled with cat crap it can take a while to adjust to the smell and work out how to make some kind of sense of it.
Good News. We all need to focus on work and working stuff out in this economic climate. Agree with Sterling Wolfe above Let’s ALL work!!!!!
Unions were founded in an effort to eliminate exploitation by the major movie studios. Their contracts were notorious for allowing the companies to dictate the public and private lives of workers. Have we come full circle?
Understandable deal but what kind of message is Will Work for Food and 50c more per for health benefits? Let’s focus on a strong future.
Mark:
“pretty please?” you’re an idiot. Just because the company you work for (not really true in the case of Unions, as you work for the Union) is making money DOES NOT mean you should make more.”
______________________________________
Yeah, lets… take a look at that statement. First of all, the main thrust of at least the SAG 2008-2009 initiative was “don’t GIVE BACK clip consent, product placement protections, force majeure, and YOU MUST GET a fair deal in new media, RIGHT OFF THE BAT, which MUST be some verifiable form of profit sharing” to insure the producers, when, not if, new media takes off, don’t abscond with the vast majority of the profits, just as they did in Home/Video-DVD and Cable, where they also promised, promised, promised! to make it right when they established a business model and a profit stream, then made it clear the last 25 years they were LYING THROUGH THEIR FANGS.
Are you fucking SERIOUS?
So, “more money?” Well, certainly sensible, cost of living increases in minimums, for a membership the “A-list” dismissed (the vast majority of the rank and file) by saying “This is an INSANE time to strike,” which, we knew then (some of us) and absolutely know know (some of us) was either personal greed (don’t stop my A-lister gravy train) or just plain ignorance of the history of the union, the fact that every single gain in benefits had been accomplished over the decades by SAG negotiators who understood unionism IS CONFLICT, as in, “you don’t get what you don’t ask, then fight for, and you will certainly LOSE what you don’t strike, or threaten to strike, to protect.”
Duh.
The Entertainment Industry had a RECORD YEAR Box Office 2009 – the EXACT OPPOSITE of what was predicted by the “A-list” wobblies and their enablers – agents, managers, lawyers, wobbly, moderate SAG, and perennial “where do we sign?!” AFTRA.
This is because, those who were EDUCATED about the history of the union understood the ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS IS ONE OF THE FEW BUSINESSES THAT DOES WELL DURING ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS BECAUSE IT IS COMPARATIVLEY CHEAPER FOR A FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL TO SEE A MOVIE OR WATCH A TV PROGRAM.
This, of course, STARTS WITH, SAG’S creation, by actors threatened with 50% pay cuts, just, “cause,” by greed-head Hollywood producers in 1933 – producers who laid it off on the Great Depression, and those actors put their LIVES (don’t kid yourself – early unionism was a bare knuckled and sometimes shotgun game) as well as their careers, on the line TO CREATE SAG.
The excuses for the PROFOUND weakness being displayed by the entertainment unions – ESPECIALLY SAG – and tin the Entertainment Industry – one of our TOP EXPORTS – hanging by a thread. A thread.
The big, tough Teamsters CAVE?
Look, nothing has changed since 1933. You allow yourself to be treated like a pussy – you’re a pussy. Period.
“I have bills to pay, I have praaaaaaaablems” – so does everyone else you gutless cowards.
Shame on this industry’s unions. They ALL suck – every single one.
The big bad Teamsters did not cave 2% plus 50 cents per hr into the medical plan plus other perks add up to more than 3%, who caved?????
Still waiting on the full story….
Teamsters Set the Stage for a Lockout in 2012
You have been warned, So save your money.
~ Gary Watts ~
May be you should read the proposal they where handing out at the ratification meeting.
Oh…that right…. There where no handouts.
Oh…that right…. There was nothing in writing for the members.
Oh…that right…. There was no time to get it to the printer.
What……Bull Shit !!!
~ Gary Watts ~
It seems like the studios are leaving town, and not taking us with them. Lot of stuff being shot overseas.