Strike shuts down NBC's 'Fashion Star'

An NBC reality show has been shut down by a strike by crew members.

IATSE union crew members picketed “Fashion Star” Saturday, causing a production halt that closed down a 1:30 p.m. taping and then production personnel and the audience were dismissed.

A union organizer said the union will stay on strike until the contract is reached, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

No talks are currently in progress. The dispute is over pension and health benefits.

“A big, successful primetime show like this- I don’t see why they shouldn’t be union,” IATSE official Vanessa Holtgrew told the Hollywood Reporter.

The show, currently in production on its second season, is produced by Electus, 5x5 Media and Magical Elves, and also the Global Fashion Association.

About 70 crew members picketed at Hollywood Center Studios and another location near the Arclight Theatre at Sunset and Vine in Hollywood.

There are some union crew members on the non-union show, but they are not receiving pension and health benefits without a union contract.

Reality and half-hour comedy productions have become more important as movie and TV drama production in Los Angeles have declined. The IATSE has been organizing reality programs.