Fashion Star's production was shut down over the weekend due to a picket by the IATSE, the union of professional stagehands, motion picture technicians and allied crafts.
As many as 70 crew members picketed Fashion Star's LA taping on Saturday (October 13), forcing producers to send all talent home. Fashion Star is a non-union show, but does employ some union crew members.
A spokesperson for the IATSE told The Hollywood Reporter that workers will remain on strike until a new contract with better health and pension benefits is reached.
IATSE representative Vanessa Holtgrew said: "A big, successful primetime show like this – I don't see why they shouldn't be union.
"I hope we get a contract for these folks so they can get their health and pension, and go back to making their show."
No talks are believed to be underway between the union and Fashion Star's production companies Electus, 5x5 Media, Magical Elves and Global Fashion Association.
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NBC declined to comment on the Fashion Star strike.
Fashion Star features contestants judged by Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos in hopes of getting their clothing lines bought by retailers.
The show was in the midst of shooting its second season when the picketing occurred.
Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.
