IATSE, AMPTP CONCLUDE THREE DAYS OF NEGOTIATIONS

LOS ANGELES, Apr. 9 -- IATSE and AMPTP have concluded three days of productive negotiations on a new Hollywood Basic Agreement.  The parties held extensive discussions on new media, minimums and the pension and health plans, including the impact of the 2006 Pension Protection Act on funding standards.  IATSE and AMPTP have agreed to recess the negotiations to accommodate previously agreed-upon bargaining sessions with SAG and AFTRA.  A news blackout will remain in effect until the conclusion of the negotiations."These talks have been extremely helpful in understanding the fundamental issues before us in an environment that has been conducive to bargaining," IATSE International President Thomas C. Short said.  "We look forward to the resumption of negotiations with AMPTP and to securing a contract that will benefit our membership."

"We've covered a lot of ground in an opening round that's been both respectful and mutually beneficial," AMPTP President Nick Counter said. "We remain confident that we can build on the new economic partnership that we've reached with DGA, WGA and the AFTRA Network Code, enabling all of our creative and behind-the-scenes talent to share in the emerging new media revenue while giving the industry the flexibility needed to adapt and change in a challenging marketplace."

The IATSE is an International Union that represents members employed in the stagecraft, motion picture and television production, and trade shows industries throughout the United States, its Territories, and Canada.