IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb Statement of Support
May 16, 2023
IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb issued the following statement of support in solidarity with the WGA:
"I want to extend IATSE’s continued support to the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) in your collective fight to win a fair contract from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). I’m proud to have walked the picket line with you at Fox in what proved to be a powerful display of resilience and unity between our unions.
Every story on screen begins with a writers’ vision, and it is these stories that our members bring to life. Our symbiotic relationship underscores the importance of collaboration, not just in the creation of films, television shows, and other media, but also in leveraging solidarity to build towards a future where every worker in the entertainment industry is treated and compensated with the respect and dignity we deserve.
A fair contract for WGA members is better for every IATSE member. Your key contract demands, from increased minimum pay, better so-called 'new-media' streaming conditions, staffing minimums, and restrictions on the use of AI to undermine compensation and creative rights—are shared issues across our industry.
To the writers, know this—we stand with you. The AMPTP’s failure to meet your reasonable demands or exhibit fairness is driving the Hollywood guilds and unions together with unprecedented solidarity. We will continue to show our shared commitment to a fair and just entertainment industry."
In solidarity,
Matthew D. Loeb
IATSE, International President
