IATSE and Teamster leaders will join the LA County AFL-CIO and rank and file members of several production locals on Monday morning to walk the picket line in front of Original Productions’ Burbank production facility, where Spike Television’s series 1000 Ways to Die is shot.
Last Thursday, Feb. 16, the crew of the show voted unanimously to support the IATSE in securing them benefits, safe working conditions, and collective bargaining rights.
Original Productions, which also produces reality shows such as Ice Road Truckers and Deadliest Catch for Discovery, refused to recognize the IA as the bargaining unit and summarily fired the crew, numbering over 25 employees.
The production has been down for the past week.
“This is about healthcare; this is about safety and dignity in the workplace, and it’s part of the IA’s ongoing campaign to support workers in all genres of TV,” said Mike Milller, IATSE international vice president, division director motion picture and television production.
The picket lines will begin at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 27, in front of Original’s facility at 2435 Naomi Street, Burbank, CA 91504.
1000 Ways to Die – a scripted re-enactment series – is a wholly non-union production in its fourth season and has aired on Spike since 2008.
