What led to the onboarding of new members by Teamsters Local 399? Why was Local 886 placed under an emergency trusteeship? What significant financial and operational issues were uncovered during the audit of Local 886? How did the leadership at Teamsters Local 399 respond to the situation in Oklahoma? What previous instances had prompted similar changes in jurisdiction for Local 399?
The Los Angeles-based Teamsters Local 399 has begun onboarding dozens of new members who work on film and television projects after “a pattern of systematic errors, omissions and oversight” was alleged to have been uncovered through an audit of the Oklahoma City-based Local 886.
After a unanimous vote from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ general executive board sealed the deal, Local 399 has assumed jurisdiction for motion picture work in Oklahoma. “A local union has a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of the membership, ensuring the proper use and management of union funds, resources and assets,” International Brotherhood of Teamsters general president Sean O’Brien explained in a recommendation memo shared on Thursday. “As such, I believe it is in the best interests of the members in the motion picture industry, currently represented by Local 886, to be moved to Teamsters Local 399 which has provided and continues to provide support and leadership for its Motion Picture members.”
Roughly 100 Teamsters are joining the Hollywood Teamsters as a result of the change, which The Hollywood Reporter has learned was preceded by the results of an audit of Local 886.
In a notice dated March 11 that was shared with THR, Teamsters chief O’Brien said that the Local had been placed under an emergency trusteeship following audit findings that “revealed a pattern of systematic errors, omissions and oversight that is harmful to both the membership and the International Union.”
Among the alleged findings were receipts for dues and deposits into the Local’s General Fund that were missing, a neglect to file an IRS Form 990 that resulted in a “significant penalty,” a lack of transparency with members about the Local’s assets, staff raises that weren’t approved by union members, inappropriate entries in accounting software, and “check-signing irregularities including pre-signed checks, checks with one signature, and improper signature stamps.” An internal investigation, meanwhile, found “unaccounted cash dues payments and collection of cash dues by unbonded and unauthorized persons.”
The Local had previously been audited but did not follow the international union’s prior guidance on “the proper handling of receipts, motions and financial transactions requiring membership or Executive Board approval, dues structure, the creation of a Travel/Expense policy and more,” O’Brien added.
As an investigation is underway, O’Brien appointed the business manager of an Alabama Local to serve as a trustee overseeing Local 886. The trusteeship will aim to “correct the financial malpractice described above,” make sure contracts are intact and “restore democratic procedures and oversight of the membership over the affairs of the Local Union.” As of Monday, the Local’s webpage and Facebook page had been taken down.
Local 886 has been the subject of complaints before. Just a few months before the trusteeship went into effect, the Tulsa-based Fox23 news station published two reports investigating hiring practices for local Teamster film and television drivers and workplace irregularities. In one of the reports, union driver Susan Dale (Twisters, Reservation Dogs) described discriminatory hiring practices that favored men and drivers on the western side of the state. “There’s a select few that get to work all of the jobs,” she said.
A lawyer for Local 886 told the news station that the union keeps a list of potential drivers that is not ranked by seniority and that project producers have “complete control” over who on that list is hired.
Dale filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against the Local in late 2024. The board has yet to rule on the case.
Reached on Friday about the news that Local 399 was assuming jurisdiction for Oklahoma motion picture work, Dale claimed she had been advocating on behalf of a larger group and sending information to the international union for about a year. Of Local 399, she said, “We know that they will do a far better job than what our union was doing.”
It’s a moment of déjà vu for Local 399, which assumed responsibility for union members in New Mexico in 2022 following a reported financial audit. After “significant member concerns around the referral rules and financial structure” of the New Mexico Local, the international’s general executive board moved its motion picture jurisdiction to Local 399, Deadline reported that year.
Oklahoma has become a major player in the domestic production scene in the last few years, playing host to projects including Minari, Tulsa King, and Killers of the Flower Moon in addition to Reservation Dogs and Twisters, thanks to a generous rebate program, capped at $30 million annually. In some cases, local governments like the Cherokee Nation offer their own tax perks for productions looking to locate to their jurisdictions.
In a statement to THR, Teamsters motion picture division director and Teamsters Local 399 leader Lindsay Dougherty said she was looking forward to working with Oklahoma film and television workers and making the transition “as smooth, expedited, transparent, and efficient as possible.” She added, “We are dedicated to representing each member equally with the utmost dignity and respect.”
IATSE Local 399 Takes Over In Oklahoma After "Malpractice" Claims
In a significant development for the creative community in Oklahoma, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 399 has stepped in to address concerns regarding workplace conditions and practices in the entertainment industry. This intervention follows a series of troubling allegations that point to "malpractice" within local film production entities, raising alarms over workers’ rights, safety protocols, and ethical standards.
Understanding the Context
The entertainment industry, particularly in a burgeoning market like Oklahoma, has experienced an unprecedented boom. With state tax incentives attracting filmmakers and production companies to shoot on location, the demand for skilled labor has surged. However, along with this growth comes responsibility. Reports of exploitation, hazardous working conditions, and lack of adequate compensation have surfaced, leading to increasing scrutiny and calls for union representation.
The allegations of malpractice, which have recently gained traction, suggest that some production companies operating in Oklahoma have not only failed to provide a safe working environment but have also taken advantage of artists and technicians, particularly those who are less experienced or uninformed about their rights. These claims highlight the need for stronger representation and advocacy for the workforce.
The Role of IATSE Local 399
IATSE Local 399, based in Los Angeles but representing members across multiple states, has a strong track record of advocating for workers’ rights and safety within the film and television industries. With the local chapter’s recent engagement in Oklahoma, the organization aims to establish regional standards that ensure fair labor practices, encourage safe working environments, and protect the rights of all crew members.
The union’s involvement is particularly important in light of the specific malpractice allegations made against local production companies. These complaints have not only been about wages but have also included concerns regarding inadequate training, lack of necessary safety gear, and insufficient access to healthcare and worker’s compensation. IATSE Local 399’s arrival in Oklahoma promises to bring structure, support, and industry standards to help mitigate these issues.
Mobilizing the Workforce
The first step for IATSE Local 399 in Oklahoma is to mobilize the workforce. This involves outreach to local crew members, many of whom may still be unaware of their rights or the available protections that unionization can offer. IATSE representatives are conducting meetings, workshops, and training sessions to empower local workers with knowledge about labor rights, workplace safety protocols, and the benefits of union membership.
Workers in the entertainment industry often face unique challenges, from the pressures of tight production schedules to the uncertainty of freelance positions. By promoting solidarity and unity among the workforce, IATSE Local 399 aims to create a more equitable landscape for all involved. This not only helps individual workers but also elevates the standard of work within the Oklahoma film industry as a whole.
Building Resilience in the Industry
One of the most significant advantages of IATSE’s involvement is the potential for resilience it brings to the local industry. The union can negotiate better contracts, which often includes health benefits, pension plans, and improved working conditions. Such improvements mean that not only are patients within the system of workers’ rights better protected, but the quality of film and television production can also be enhanced through well-rested and adequately compensated crews.
Moreover, there is a cultural impact associated with unionization. The presence of a respected organization like IATSE can foster a culture of respect within the industry, encouraging production companies to uphold higher ethical standards and accountability. This could lead to more sustainable practices not only for the workforce but also for the types of stories and productions that are emerging from Oklahoma.
Moving Forward
As IATSE Local 399 establishes its foothold in Oklahoma, it is a crucial moment for local creative professionals. The union’s proactive approach in addressing the malpractice allegations and advocating for worker rights signals a turning tide for a region that is rapidly becoming one of the hoped-for epicenters of film production in the United States.
While challenges remain, the solidarity provided by union representation can help ensure that the good will and potential of Oklahoma’s film industry are harnessed thoughtfully and equitably. In ensuring better practices, organizations like IATSE Local 399 not only stand as defenders of labor rights but also as champions for a thriving, responsible, and inclusive creative community.
As Oklahoma continues its ascent in the world of film and television, the lessons learned from malpractice claims and the subsequent response by IATSE Local 399 may very well serve as a model for other burgeoning entertainment hubs across the nation. The collaboration between filmmakers, production teams, and workers dedicated to ethical practice will be crucial in defining the future of Oklahoma’s entertainment industry.
IATSE Local 399 has recently stepped in to manage operations in Oklahoma following serious allegations of “malpractice” that have surfaced within the local motion picture community. This move underscores the union’s commitment to ensuring proper working conditions, fair treatment, and adherence to industry standards.
The decision to take over follows reports of various grievances among workers, highlighting issues that affect the integrity of production work in the area. The union aims to address these concerns directly, providing support and resources to affected members while working towards a resolution that upholds the rights and interests of all involved.
With this intervention, IATSE Local 399 is likely to implement new guidelines and support systems to foster a healthier work environment, striving to restore trust and promote positive relations within the local film industry.