Hollywood Crew Roster Purge Tests Union Access

The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Contract Services has flagged thousands of IATSE crew for removal from the Industry Experience Roster after determining they did not meet the three-year eligibility threshold (one union project in 2023–2026). The move, the first broad purge since 2022, has prompted protests from some locals and raised concerns that losing roster status could hinder access to union jobs, even as workers can requalify by meeting stricter criteria (such as 30 eligible days on productions). With overall hours of work down since the 2022 strikes and domestic high-budget projects shrinking, industry officials argue purging is tied to location incentives abroad and will be revisited in 2027 contract talks, making the outcome pivotal for many freelancers.