As we move into November, new wages and benefit structures take effect for Teamsters Local 817 Theatrical and TV Drivers and Helpers.
Starting November 2, 2025, minimum wage will increase 7%, reflecting ongoing efforts to align compensation with evolving industry standards. Beyond the rate increase, employees and employers alike will see a series of important updates ranging from specialized equipment pay adjustments to updated overtime thresholds and per diem rates.
The comprehensive update below includes the detailed contract changes, including new benefit structures and wage increase details through 2028.
Note: These terms may or may not be included in the single project agreements given to independent producers. Independent producers should consult their specific agreements to see if any changes are applicable.
Wages
Wage Increases
- Effective November 2, 2025: Wages increase by 7%
- Effective November 1, 2026: Wages increase by 4%
- Effective October 31, 2027: Wages increase by 3.5%
Specialized Equipment Rate
- Effective November 2, 2025: The “make-up/wardrobe combination truck-trailer” will be added to the list of vehicles that are paid under the “Specialized Equipment Rate”
Benefits
Theatrical Motion Pictures
- Effective November 2, 2025: The total percentage for Health and Welfare, Pension and Scholarship increases from 33.0% to 34.7%
- Effective November 1, 2026: The total percentage for Health and Welfare, Pension and Scholarship decreases from 34.7% to 34.0%
Television Motion Pictures
- Effective November 2, 2025: The total percentage for Health and Welfare, Pension and Scholarship increases from 29.0% to 32.4%
- Effective November 1, 2026: The total percentage for Health and Welfare, Pension and Scholarship decreases from 32.4% to 31.0%
Overtime
Weekly Flat Overtime
- Effective November 2, 2025: Employees engaged on a weekly flat rate will be owed triple time for all hours worked in excess of 82 hours in the week
Meal Allowance Money
Outside the 30 mile radius of Columbus Circle in New York City
- Effective November 2, 2025: Meal Allowance Money increases from $35 per day to $40 per day
- Effective October 31, 2027: Meal Allowance Money increases from $40 per day to $45 per day
Inside the 30 mile radius of Columbus Circle in New York City
- Effective November 2, 2025: Meal Allowance Money increases from $50 per day to $55 per day
- Effective October 31, 2027: Meal Allowance Money increases from $55 per day to $60 per day
Per Diem on Distant Location
Base Per Diem
- Effective November 2, 2025: Employees on a Distant Location outside a 50 mile radius from Columbus Circle in New York City shall be paid $50 per day
Per Diem if project is also signed to an IATSE agreement
- Effective November 2, 2025: $70 per day
- Breakfast: $14
- Lunch: $21
- Dinner: $35
- Effective October 31, 2027: $75 per day
- Breakfast: $16
- Lunch: $22
- Dinner: $37
- Any meal provided by the producer may be deducted from the per diem at the appropriate rate for the meal provided
2025 Wage & Benefit Rate Increases
Change Type
|
Previous Rate
|
New Rate
|
Wage Increase
|
—
|
+7%
|
Base Per Diem - Employees on a Distant Location outside a 50 mile radius from Columbus Circle in New York City
|
—
|
$50 per day
|
Per Diem - if project is also signed to an IATSE agreement
|
—
|
$70 per day
|
Meal Allowance - Outside the 30 mile radius of Columbus Circle in New York City
|
$35 per day
|
$40 per day
|
Meal Allowance - Inside the 30 mile radius of Columbus Circle in New York City
|
$50 per day
|
$55 per day
|
Benefits Percentage for Health and Welfare, Pension and Scholarship - Theatrical Motion Pictures
|
33%
|
34.7%
|
Benefits Percentage for Health and Welfare, Pension and Scholarship - Television Motion Pictures
|
29%
|
32.4%
|
FAQs
Q: What is the minimum wage increase in 2025?
A: The minimum wage for Teamsters Local 817 will increase by 7% beginning November 2, 2025.
Q: Who is impacted by the minimum wage increase?
A: Teamsters Local 817 Drivers Term Agreement with Major Producer signatories.
Q: What are the biggest changes employees should prepare for in November 2025?
A: Aside from the 7% wage increase, the most notable updates include revised overtime policies, meal and per diem rate increases, and new classifications under the specialized equipment rate.
Q: Will overtime calculations change for weekly hires?
A: Yes. Employees engaged on a weekly flat rate will now receive triple time for all hours worked beyond 82 hours in a week.
Q: How will the new meal allowance and per diem updates affect daily expenses?
A: Meal allowances increase both inside and outside the 30-mile New York City radius, while per diem rates for distant locations will climb to $50 per day—or $70 if also covered by an IATSE agreement—with further increases in 2027.
Q: Are these updates part of a multi-year agreement?
A: Yes. The current wage and benefit structure adjustments are part of a three-year agreement running through 2028, with scheduled increases each year.
Q: How can members access or confirm their updated pay and benefits after the changes take effect?
A: Members can contact their Local 817 representative or check the official Teamsters communications for detailed pay tables and benefit contribution documentation.
This information in this communication is general in nature, and is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice rendered by GreenSlate, LLC. The reader should contact his or her attorney, CPA, or tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.
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