The Teamsters have taken steps to bring freelance Casting Assistants closer to gaining representation by organizing a National Labor Relations Board election. This decision was made after a virtual meeting with almost 100 Casting Assistants following the union's initial announcement back in April.

The unit will need a majority vote to gain union representation. If passed, it will enable freelance casting assistants to join Teamsters Local 399 (Los Angeles) and Teamsters Local 817 (New York) as part of the existing bargaining unit of Casting and Associate Casting Directors. Despite not having union representation, Casting Assistants have worked alongside casting directors for years, making their integration into the unit relatively smooth.

The Teamsters are eagerly awaiting a definitive roster of qualified individuals from employers. In the meantime, they have independently identified several individuals and have begun gathering authorization cards. As a requirement for voting, one must have worked for at least 15 days with a major studio within the past year.

As soon as the AMPTP provides the final list of eligible individuals, the union will ramp up its campaigning efforts to encourage a high voter turnout.

Pending the finalization of priorities for the upcoming bargaining cycle, existing casting Teamsters will receive surveys this month. Casting Assistants have outlined some essential items for those hoping to negotiate their first contract this year. These include higher wages, access to health benefits, and a more straightforward career path in the casting department.



Voting will take place from July 19 until August 9, well ahead of the contract’s September 30^th expiration.