The studies are clear - Americans who are overworked and not allowed regular breaks throughout the workday suffer serious health consequences that can lead to premature death. Risk of stroke caused by overworking increases by nearly 40%, and this statistic is compounded by negative habits that are exacerbated by being overworked -- including smoking, maintaining an unhealthy diet, and leading a sedentary life. This harsh reality, paired with few workplace benefits and negligible salaries, push good workers out of film and theatre, and damage the integrity and future of production. 

​

IATSE members know these consequences firsthand. 

​

Not only are overworked IATSE members facing consequences we’ve long known put the health of our workers in extreme peril, but they’re also dying at the wheel of their cars at unprecedented rates. Those who are fortunate enough to avoid direct health consequences of being overworked likely live paycheck-to-paycheck without many (if any) health benefits, adding more negative stressors to their already unsustainable lifestyles. 

​

Overworking employees put more than just a production in jeopardy: it risks the futures of human beings who are passionate about the work they do. Good, stable wages are important - they’re the backbone of someone’s quality of life. A stable income is not enough to guarantee a stable life, and with a pandemic that isolated our members for over a year, employers must invest in the health benefits their dedicated workers deserve to recover post-COVID. 

​

This is about our futures; it’s time to stand up to policies that are harming us and jeopardizing our families. #WeStandTogether