Revolution Resource Center
Entertainment Industry Labor Relations
Every aspect of filmmaking and content creation involves a task force behind it.
Have you ever wondered which department encompasses the relationships between filmmakers, producers, directors, actors, crew members, and other personnel involved in the filmmaking process?
Labor relations is the answer.
Why is Labor Relations important?
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The Labor Relations team analyzes collective bargaining agreements to develop interpretation of intent, spirit, and contract terms. They are also responsible for monitoring the implementation of policies concerning wages, hours, and working conditions to ensure compliance with terms of union contracts.
Labor Relations play a significant role in the payroll companies for the following reasons:
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Unions and Guilds
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In the film industry, there are several labor unions and guilds that represent different professional groups. These organizations negotiate on behalf of their members to establish standards for wages, working hours, benefits, and other employment conditions. Some prominent unions and guilds include the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Directors Guild of America (DGA), Writers Guild of America (WGA), and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
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Strikes and Labor Disputes
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In some cases, labor disputes can arise between industry workers and production companies. These disputes can become grievances. This occurs when employees are not properly paid, not worked properly according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement the production falls under.
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When Producers and the Union representatives do not come to a common agreement this can lead work stoppages such as Strikes which disrupt productions which can lead to delays in filming and financial losses to the producer.
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Non-Union Productions
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While labor unions play a significant role in the entertainment industry, not all shows operate under union regulations. Non-union productions will work under the state entertainment work order for the rules and regulations.
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Evolving Landscape
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The film industry is continually evolving, and labor relations stay’s up to date with these changes as they could effect the current working terms and conditions of a CBA.