Film production worker claims union contract broken during 'Grudge Match' filming

GRETNA – A film publicist is suing the union she belongs to as well as a film production company responsible for the recent film Grudge Match after her contract was allegedly broken.

Jeanmarie Murphy filed suit against IATSE Local 600 and Riverboat Productions LLC in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 9.

Murphy claims that in January 2013 she was working on the set of the boxing film starring Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone for three weeks under a union contract negotiated by IATSE Local 600. However, the plaintiff alleges three weeks into the project her contract was disregarded and she was reclassified as a non-union consultant. Murphy asserts that her contract was disregarded under an amendment that allows for contracts to be changed to come into compliance with state laws regarding incentive programs that require publicists to be local hires, however, she points out that such a concession is not required in Louisiana.

The plaintiff claims that due to the contract change she was not credited with 144 hours of work she put into the production nor were contributions made to her pension and health benefit account before the contract change. Murphy alleges she was in good union standing with IATSE Local 600 prior to relocating to New Orleans for the film production and joined the production under the belief she would remain in good standing.

The defendants are accused of breach of contract.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity,  loss of pension monies, loss of deferred wages, loss of employment opportunities, loss medical care and health benefits and medical insurance expenses.

Murphy is representing herself in the case pro se.

The case has been assigned to Division B Judge Cornelius E. Regan.

Case no. 737-280.