A significant walkout has occurred on the set of “The Gun on Second Street,” a U.S. crime drama shooting in Wheeling, West Virginia, as technicians protest the production’s refusal to recognize their union, according to a statement from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) on Thursday. The union reports that a substantial majority of the crew has expressed a desire to unionize in light of ongoing labor grievances.
Crew members have raised concerns about receiving wages below industry standards and lack of proper health and retirement benefits. They also allege they have been misclassified as independent contractors, which complicates their rights to secure fair working conditions.
The film, which is entirely produced in the Wheeling area, is directed by Rohit Karn Batra and features a cast that includes Tom Arnold, Rumer Willis, and Dianna Agron, among others. While operating under a SAG-AFTRA contract, the production lacks agreements with the Directors Guild of America (DGA), Teamsters, or IATSE. Notably, U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell, an executive producer of the film alongside Sean Penn, has been informed of the labor disputes currently unfolding on set.
IATSE has communicated that crew members set a deadline for discussions regarding their concerns, stating that if production leadership remained unresponsive by 10:30 a.m. ET Thursday, crew members would strike. The union has instructed its members not to cross any picket lines or accept work from the production if they attempt to replace the striking crew.
IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb expressed strong support for the crew’s decision, emphasizing that all productions, irrespective of financial resources or political ties, must honor the rights of those who contribute to film and television. He commended the crew for their solidarity in advocating for fair treatment and underscored the producers’ obligation to engage in meaningful negotiations.
This stand taken by the crew represents a growing trend in the industry as more workers advocate for better rights and working conditions, contributing to a broader conversation about labor practices in film and television.