IATSE and Local 600 organize Reality Show Farmer Wants a Wife

Because of the solidarity of the show’s crew members, the International and Local 600 succeeded in organizing the reality show Farmer Wants a Wife, in St. Louis, MO . in August.

The show’s camera crew was working in 24/7 revolving shifts, with about 30 people in the camera department in various classifications. Local 600’s central region rep., Justin Conway, and western region rep. Barbara Jerome met with the crew off the set at all hours to collect authorization cards for the show, which was produced by Little Pond Productions. " The International initially tried to negotiate with the company in a friendly manner but were rebuffed " , said Jerome

For a period of time, the crew was locked out of their hotel rooms. But, with encouragement from Local 600 business reps , the camera crew and others held firm and within hours the company backed down from its position and a contract was signed. The company had called other reality shooters to replace the workforce. Their efforts failed because crew members had already called people they knew and told them about the organizing effort and urged them not to cross the picket line.

“ The company was compelled to sign the contract due to the strength and solidarity shown by this crew. The crew went back to work the same day," Jerome said. " They were a really great crew. They stayed out. "

In August, the IATSE and Local 600 also organized low-budget features : Shadowheart and Alone in the Dark II as well as a commercial company, Ambush