New Hollywood labor dispute?

This time it's the Teamsters who could walk off their jobs if a new contract isn't cut in the next couple of weeks. This Sunday members of Hollywood Local 399 are expected to flex their muscles by taking a strike-authorization vote. THR says that TV production would be hit hardest - around 20 shows are in production for the fall season. Of course, the Teamsters could agree to work under a contract extension after their pact expires on Aug. 1.

The transportation union's talks with Hollywood studios involve proposals for a new two- or three-year contract but have hit an impasse over money terms. The Teamsters want annual raises of 3%; management is offering 2% yearly boosts. The studios would prefer a three-year deal but are offering two years at the union's request, which would allow the Teamsters to synch up their contract expiration with IATSE's. That, in turn, would give the Teamsters more input into contract matters affecting the pension and health plan that covers members of both unions.

The last full-fledged Hollywood Teamsters strike was in 1988.