Local News in Brief : Strike Predicted by Teamster Official

Entertainment industry drivers represented by the Teamsters union will go on strike in the wake of failed contract talks with TV and film producers, Earl Bush, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 399, predicted Friday.

Bush said he and other Teamsters negotiators will recommend rejection of a contract offer that was termed final by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The union covers drivers, mechanics and animal trainers.

The two sides are divided on wage rates, overtime conditions and rules covering non-union film and television production.

Hollywood production has only recently returned to normal after a five-month scriptwriters’ strike, which ended in early August.

The producers have maintained, however, that production will not be interrupted if the Teamsters go on strike. There are plans to hire non-union replacement drivers, the producers have said.