Studio Claims Heavy Vandalism in Face of Vocal Union Picketing

Hoping to disrupt film and television production, hundreds of striking drivers, electricians and laborers formed vocal picket lines outside the major studios Tuesday as the Teamsters’ strike against Hollywood entered its second day.

Police in Hollywood, Culver City and Burbank--where several of the studios are located--reported no major confrontations between picketers and the non-union equipment truck drivers and couriers attempting to enter studio gates.

But one producer, Stephen J. Cannell Studios, was forced to shut down filming indefinitely on two network shows--”Hunter” and “Sonny Spoon”--after crew members and extras reported late Monday that they were assaulted and their vehicles and equipment vandalized by striking Teamsters.

In a press release, Cannell Studios reported a heavy toll from the first day of the strike: slashed and deflated tires on nine vehicles, a severed brake line on a semi-trailer, punctures in a mobile dressing room vehicle, a sabotaged trailer hitch that nearly resulted in an accident and physical assaults against at least three employees.

Several of the incidents, which were confirmed by police, took place at the Santa Monica Pier, where Cannell was shooting “Hunter.” The other incidents, including bomb and death threats, occurred at the studio’s Hollywood offices.

“As a result of the illegal and abhorrent behavior on the part of the strikers and our concern for the safety and well-being of our employees, we have elected to temporarily shut down production,” the release stated.

Tomorrow Michaels, who books extras for film and television, said several extras on the “Hunter” show called Tuesday to request a different assignment.

“I have women extras who were threatened and now are terrified of crossing the picket line,” Michaels said. “We even have a few former pro football players who told me, ‘Hey, don’t book me on “Hunter.” This has turned into muscle real fast.’ ”

Earl Bush, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 399, which represents Hollywood drivers, denied that the union had resorted to intimidation.

“I don’t think anything got out of hand . . . I know that the valve stems on some tires were removed but that’s all I heard,” Bush said. “As for non-union trucks being prevented from moving, you’re damn right.”

Bush said the only incidents he heard about Tuesday were two picketers who were hit and slightly injured by non-union trucks trying to enter the studio gates.

One picketer was arrested on suspicion of battery Tuesday morning at Universal Studios, Los Angeles police said. The picketer was released on $250 bail.

Security guards at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank reported that about 50% of the drivers, couriers and visitors stopped by Teamsters at the studio gates crossed the picket line. Leonard Nimoy, actor-director of “Star Trek” fame, was among the numbers who crossed.

The strike--the second major labor walkout to hit Hollywood this year--ended three months of talks between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and unions representing 3,200 Hollywood drivers, electricians and laborers. No further talks have been scheduled.

Seeks Reduction in Wages

The producers’ alliance is seeking a reduction in wages for certain classes of van drivers and the elimination of nighttime premiums and double-time wages for weekend work done by drivers, electricians and laborers. The studios argue that some concessions are needed if Hollywood’s unionized companies are to remain competitive with non-union and out-of-state film producers.

The unions say rollbacks are unfair during a time of record profits and ever-increasing salaries paid to studio heads.

Herb Steinberg, a spokesman for the producer’s alliance, said the issue is runaway production costs, not executive salaries.

“All we’re asking is that they become more competitive,” Steinberg said. “Why do you think some of the studios are producing in Florida, in Canada, in Mexico? The costs in Hollywood are that high.”