Teamsters Ratify Casting Agreement

Teamsters Locals 399 and 817 have agreed to a new casting contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which will be effective for the next three years.
According to the union, the deal was approved by 91.85% of voters with a turnout rate of 83%, as announced on Wednesday. This agreement applies to casting directors, associate casting directors, and newly organized casting assistants in New York and Los Angeles.
During this round of negotiations, the union's primary focus was on securing better wages and safeguards, such as setting standard rates for casting directors. This was also the first bargaining session since casting assistants became part of the union, making it a priority for the Teamsters to solidify annual salary increases for this group.
The Teamsters also achieved additional benefits for associate casting directors and implemented pension and health coverage for casting assistants.
The AMPTP released a statement on Wednesday, commending Teamsters Local 399 and Local 817 for the successful ratification of their agreement. The agreement effectively addresses the unions' key concerns, such as establishing minimum salary rates for television Casting Directors and theatrical Casting Associates and adding Casting Assistants to the list of covered job classifications. With the inclusion of improved salary and wage rates, this agreement secures studios' ability to attract and retain top-tier creative talent, which is essential to the thriving motion picture industry.
On Friday, the Teamsters revealed they had reached a tentative agreement for a new contract. Though negotiations ran longer than anticipated, they successfully wrapped up before the old contract's expiration date of September 30, despite two extensions.