Hollywood Horror Stories Shared by Entertainment Industry Workers Inspire IATSE Strike Authorization

Most of us enjoy our favorite TV shows, blockbusters, and indie flicks without giving much thought to the backbreaking labor behind the slick images on screen. Since August 1, hundreds of PAs, technicians, craftspersons, artisans, and other film workers have been anonymously sharing their industry horror stories with Instagram account @ia_stories. In an effort to shed light on the dangerous and inhumane working conditions on big productions, the viral account may have just inspired a vote to authorize a nationwide IATSE strike.

What is IATSE? The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada (try saying that five times fast!) is a labor union representing over 150,000 entertainment industry workers. On October 2, IATSE president Matthew D. Loeb said in his statement to members: 'We are united in demanding more humane working conditions across the industry, including reasonable rest during and between workdays and on the weekend, equitable pay on streaming productions, and a livable wage floor.' Two days later, 52,706 out of 53,411 casted ballots voted 'yes' to authorize a strike. That's 98.7% with 89.7% turnout! Depending on how producers respond to the union's call to negotiate, this could unfold into the biggest strike the industry has seen since World War II.

We've collected some of @ia_stories' sad and infuriating testimonies that have helped amass support for entertainment industry workers everywhere. 

Author image for Mel Dawn Mel Dawn
Advertisement

Stay entertained and up to date by following us on Facebook and Instagram!

Tags

ia_stories strike wtf work conditions overworked entertainment industry hollywood film industry iatse workers union stories film industry stories
Scroll Down For The Next Article

Also From Memebase

High School Bans Backpacks, Students Retaliate With Inventive Alternatives

High School Bans Backpacks, Students Retaliate With Inventive Alternatives

Trending Now

25-year-old grad school graduate leaves his sister and brother-in-law’s camera-filled Los Angeles home after brother-in-law calls him ungrateful for blocking the indoor security system with a toy for privacy on a date: ‘I just wanted a little dignity’

25-year-old grad school graduate leaves his sister and brother-in-law’s camera-filled Los Angeles home after brother-in-law calls him ungrateful for blocking the indoor security system with a toy for privacy on a date: ‘I just wanted a little dignity’

01
Employee 'quiet quits,' purposefully tanked their numbers for 6 months before finally getting fired: 'I honestly can't believe it took them this long to notice'

Employee 'quiet quits,' purposefully tanked their numbers for 6 months before finally getting fired: 'I honestly can't believe it took them this long to notice'

02
Man kicks brother and his girlfriend out of his house after they disrespect his home, boundaries, and the mother of his kids: ‘I'm not about to let two grown adults bring chaos in my home’

Man kicks brother and his girlfriend out of his house after they disrespect his home, boundaries, and the mother of his kids: ‘I'm not about to let two grown adults bring chaos in my home’

03
29-year-old plans family vacation for 30th birthday, sister complains when she won't split the cost of her niece coming along: 'She said I'm being unfair'

29-year-old plans family vacation for 30th birthday, sister complains when she won't split the cost of her niece coming along: 'She said I'm being unfair'

04
22 Employee Burnout Memes to Get You Through Your Late-Week Work Slump (May 23, 2025)

22 Employee Burnout Memes to Get You Through Your Late-Week Work Slump (May 23, 2025)

05
A Big Mug Filled to the Brim With Memes

A Big Mug Filled to the Brim With Memes

06
Advertisement