MPTF Union Files Unfair Labor Practices Complaint

The union representing 500 Motion Picture and Television Fund caregivers and other employees filed a complaint on Friday with the National Labor Relations Board over what it called management’s decision to prematurely break off contract negotiations by declaring an impasse and failure to submit alternative proposals.

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The Unfair Labor Practices complaint also alleges that MPTF failed to divulge information sought by workers, in violation of federal labor law. The union said that it sought information on topics such as organizational finances, current executive compensation, special executive retirement programs and bonuses.

"We are ready to negotiate day and night to reach a fair contract settlement, but management has slammed the door shut on us with their 'take it or leave it' attitude and refusal to bargain in good faith," said Milton Morataya, an activities coordinator at the MPTF facility in Woodland Hills. "We want a settlement that is good for everyone, most importantly the patients and residents, but management is refusing to engage in real talks and seems far more concerned with protecting their bloated pay."

The complaint’s language is that the MPTF "bargained in bad faith, refused to provide relevant and necessary bargaining information, and unlawfully and premature(ly) declared impasse."

MPTF declined to comment, but has previously said that it has been bargaining in good faith. In addition, The Hollywood Reporter has learned that MPTF on Monday filed an Unfair Labor Practices complaint of its own against the union, although the basis of the complaint is not known. 

STORY: Union Discloses Possible Strike Against MPTF

The ongoing labor dispute concerns staffing levels, wage rates, proposed new health-insurance premiums and a proposed freeze of employees' existing pension plan. MPTF CEO Bob Beitcher previously told THR that the staffing-levels claim by the union "is a red herring," adding, "We’re a regulated business. What employer is going to let a union dictate staffing levels?"

The union will strike from Monday through Thursday next week. A union-side source said more negotiations are likely after that, although no dates have been set yet, and MPTF’s Beitcher declined to predict when or whether there would be more bargaining.

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