From a friend in IATSE:
WILL THIS GUY EVER QUIT?
Negotiations Update 3 -Do Not Report For Work On August 2, 2016!!
IATSE ON STRIKE AGAINST COUP D’ETAT (COASTAL FILM STUDIOS LLC)
I am sorry to inform you that the company was unable to obtain a irrevocable letter of credit to guarantee your wages after July 30, 2016. Though they did come up with a small deposit today, it was only sufficient to cover prior- but not future obligations to the crew. We understand that this money came from a source not directly related to the company’s normal funding. The company agreed to a timeline to secure these deposits and has failed to do so.
The company has sought to buy more time, promising to get the money in a few days. Our experience in the industry, and with this company in particular, shows us that their promises are empty. Based on operations to date, we believe that the company has serious financial problems and a history of unpaid obligations and broken commitments. We cannot, in good conscience- allow the people we represent to be put further in the hole.
Accordingly, the movie “Coup D’Etat” is deemed an unfair employer. We are on strike as of this moment. All IATSE members and applicants are directed to withhold further service on this production until such a time that the company has tendered a bond sufficient to safeguard your wages and entered into a collective bargaining agreement. We also ask that crew members not yet part of our IATSE family recognize the IATSE picket line and NOT report to work.
The company claims that it can secure a irrevocable letter of credit, but somehow couldn’t manage it today. If this is the truth- then we should be back to work shortly. If it is untrue- they never did have the money and your names would be added to the long list of people that have been unpaid by this company and other companies associated with Jake Shapiro and Dan Grodnik.
We will update you as things develop and hope this action brings a speedy conclusion to this matter.
So plan to sleep in, relax and enjoy your day off. We hope to have the show back up and running soon.
