The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has formally urged the U.S. Department of Justice to intervene and block a proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery.

The powerful labor union argues that the deal could threaten thousands of film and television jobs unless strong worker protections are put in place.

Union Warns of Threat to Film and Television Workers

In a submission to the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, the Teamsters warned that the proposed merger poses a “direct threat to film and television workers nationwide.”

The union represents nearly 15,000 Motion Picture Teamsters, including drivers, technicians, and crew members who support major film and television productions.

According to the union, Paramount Skydance must commit to enforceable safeguards that prevent layoffs and ensure more productions remain within the United States.

Concerns Over Growing Industry Consolidation

The Teamsters argue that merging Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery would further concentrate decision-making power in Hollywood.

The deal would combine two major studios and unite their streaming services, HBO Max and Paramount+.

Union officials say this type of consolidation could reduce competition and weaken opportunities for workers across the entertainment industry.

Past Media Mergers Raise Red Flags

The union also pointed to previous industry consolidations as examples of what could happen if the deal proceeds.

They cited Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox, which critics say led to eliminated production units, job losses, and canceled projects across the industry.

According to the Teamsters, large media mergers often lead to cost-cutting strategies that ultimately affect workers the most.

DOJ Still Has Authority to Challenge the Deal

Although the waiting period for review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act has expired, the Justice Department still has the authority to challenge the transaction.

Paramount Skydance previously indicated that the expiration of the waiting period suggested there was no statutory barrier to closing the acquisition before Warner Bros. Discovery accepted the proposed offer.

However, antitrust regulators can still intervene if they believe the merger could harm competition.

Company Leadership Downplays Layoff Concerns

The proposed merger is expected to generate approximately $6 billion in cost savings, according to projections from Skydance leadership.

However, CEO David Ellison has publicly stated that layoffs will not be the primary method used to achieve those savings.

Despite these assurances, Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien warned that past corporate mergers often resulted in job losses even when companies promised otherwise.

Union Demands Worker Protections

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents 1.3 million members nationwide, says it will only support the merger if strict labor protections are introduced.

These include guarantees against layoffs, commitments to maintain domestic production, and stronger labor standards across the industry.

Without these enforceable commitments, the union says the Justice Department should block the merger entirely.