Teamsters Call for Federal Film Tax Credit to Bolster American Jobs

Teamsters Advocate for Film Tax Credit

In a strongly worded statement issued from Washington on May 13, 2025, Sean M. O'Brien, General President of the Teamsters, and Lindsay Dougherty, Director of the Teamsters Motion Picture Division, shared their concerns regarding the current practices in the American film and television industry. The Teamsters, a significant labor union representing over 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, are pushing for a long-overdue federal film tax credit. This initiative aims to compel studios to keep production jobs within the country, counteracting the alarming trend of outsourcing jobs to cheaper labor markets.

In their statement, they pointed out, “It's shameful that American film and TV studios routinely outsource union jobs essential to their industry, damaging local employment for the sake of profits.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration shared by many labor advocates who see the loss of good-paying jobs as a principal symptom of corporate greed in Hollywood.

The Teamsters have cited the need to create incentives that will encourage studios to consider rebuilding their workforce right at home, rather than looking overseas for cost-cutting measures. “If studios can’t look beyond their own balance sheets and bonuses, then it’s time to provide new opportunities that will bring work back to America,” they argued.

The union leaders emphasized that the proposed federal film tax credits would serve to restore the health of job creation in the industry. They contend that these credits are crucial not only for sustaining local economies but also for nurturing the working families who depend on these jobs for their livelihoods.

Moreover, they addressed the role of government, thanking former President Trump for prioritizing American workers. They called for Congress to move swiftly in passing a budget bill that adequately supports laborers within the film industry.

“The Teamsters have taken the lead in the battle to restore the dignity of labor in Hollywood,” O'Brien stated. “But we need our elected officials to help us bring this vision to fruition. It’s time for action; it’s time for a federal film tax credit.”

The implications of this proposed legislation extend beyond just the film industry. It could spark broader discussions on labor rights and the importance of preserving jobs within the country, challenging corporations to reconsider their prioritization of profit margins over worker welfare.

The Teamsters' campaign to pass a federal film tax incentive not only highlights pressing industry concerns but also ignites a larger narrative about the future of American labor in a rapidly changing global economy. As the debate evolves, one thing remains clear — the Teamsters and their members are committed to ensuring that workers do not bear the brunt of industrial changes at the expense of their livelihoods.

In a world where labor practices are continually questioned and often critiqued, the push for better frameworks, such as the proposed film tax credit, underscores a critical moment in labor history. As the union's leaders stated, “We will remember who supported labor during these pivotal times.” The growing involvement of labor unions like the Teamsters in legislative processes may reshape the labor landscape in Hollywood and beyond, reminding everyone that the voices of working people must be central in decisions that affect their lives and work.

For further information about the Teamsters and their commitment to advocating for workers' rights, visit Teamster.org or follow them on social media platforms such as X and Facebook.