Teamsters Applaud Trump’s Tariff Proposal to Protect American Film Jobs
In a recent statement released on May 5, 2025, Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien and Teamsters Motion Picture Division Director Lindsay Dougherty expressed their approval of President Trump’s initiative to impose a 100% tariff on films produced overseas. This bold move is seen as a critical step towards restoring American jobs in an industry that has significantly suffered from outsourcing. O'Brien emphasized that "Hollywood studios have hollowed out the industry by following Corporate America's crooked playbook of outsourcing good union jobs." For years, studios have sought cheaper production costs abroad, resulting in diminished opportunities for American workers who have built the film and television sectors.
The Teamsters Union has been vocal about the consequences of outsourcing, highlighting how major corporations prioritize profits over the welfare of their local workforce. According to Dougherty, these corporations take advantage of tax loopholes in foreign countries while abandoning the very crews that helped nurture the American film industry. "These gigantic corporations line their pockets by recklessly cutting corners, abandoning American crews, and exploiting tax loopholes abroad. While these companies get rich fleeing to other countries and gaming the system, our members have gotten screwed over," said Dougherty.
The Teamsters' stance is clear: if studios seek to profit from the American box office, they must reinvest in domestic talents. They extend their gratitude to President Trump for siding with U.S. workers and taking decisive action to combat outsourcing. As O'Brien stated, "We thank President Trump for boldly supporting good union jobs when others have turned their heads." This emerging trade agenda, championed by the Teamsters, is aimed at fostering a more equitable environment for American workers in the film and television industry.
The Teamsters Union is eager to collaborate with elected officials across the political spectrum who are dedicated to advocating for American labor. They believe it’s essential for the industry to bring production back home, thus creating sustainable job opportunities. In conclusion, both O'Brien and Dougherty called for a united effort to create good film jobs within the United States. "It's time to create good film jobs here at home by bringing production back to America," they affirmed, recognizing that the prosperity of the motion picture industry relies heavily on the commitment to American workers.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For those interested in learning more about the union, additional information can be found at Teamster.org, and members of the public can follow their updates on X and Facebook.
The Teamsters Union has been vocal about the consequences of outsourcing, highlighting how major corporations prioritize profits over the welfare of their local workforce. According to Dougherty, these corporations take advantage of tax loopholes in foreign countries while abandoning the very crews that helped nurture the American film industry. "These gigantic corporations line their pockets by recklessly cutting corners, abandoning American crews, and exploiting tax loopholes abroad. While these companies get rich fleeing to other countries and gaming the system, our members have gotten screwed over," said Dougherty.
The Teamsters' stance is clear: if studios seek to profit from the American box office, they must reinvest in domestic talents. They extend their gratitude to President Trump for siding with U.S. workers and taking decisive action to combat outsourcing. As O'Brien stated, "We thank President Trump for boldly supporting good union jobs when others have turned their heads." This emerging trade agenda, championed by the Teamsters, is aimed at fostering a more equitable environment for American workers in the film and television industry.
The Teamsters Union is eager to collaborate with elected officials across the political spectrum who are dedicated to advocating for American labor. They believe it’s essential for the industry to bring production back home, thus creating sustainable job opportunities. In conclusion, both O'Brien and Dougherty called for a united effort to create good film jobs within the United States. "It's time to create good film jobs here at home by bringing production back to America," they affirmed, recognizing that the prosperity of the motion picture industry relies heavily on the commitment to American workers.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For those interested in learning more about the union, additional information can be found at Teamster.org, and members of the public can follow their updates on X and Facebook.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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