Hollywood production workers authorize strike, setting up industry showdown over streaming profits

Hollywood production workers pushing for better pay and working conditions voted nearly unanimously to authorize a strike, a scenario that could hobble the entertainment industry as companies race to keep up with a surge in on-demand films and TV shows.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) said Monday that its members voted 98 percent to 2 percent to allow union president Matthew D. Loeb to call for a work stoppage, though the group will attempt to return to the bargaining table before actually striking. The union represents more than 60,000 set builders, costume designers, video engineers and other behind-the-scenes workers.

The union has pressed production companies to improve compensation and on-set working conditions to reflect the industry’s rising fortunes. Salaries for off-camera personnel have not grown commensurate with those of actors and writers, say workers, who contend the rush to produce new programs has deprived them of time with their families, sleep and even bathroom breaks.

washingtonpost.com