Apple reportedly told a TV and movie workers union that its TV Plus had less than 20 million subscriptions

CNBC reported that Apple told the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) that its Apple TV Plus streaming platform had fewer than 20 million subscribers, which allowed IATSE workers to pay lower rates than the larger streaming platform .

Apple has never publicly released subscriber numbers for its streaming network, which launched in November of 2019. But Apple TV Plus has fewer original shows than larger, more established streaming rivals like Netflix, which said it had 209 million subscribers in August.

According to a press release posted by IATSE on Tuesday, "Those working on some 'new media' streaming projects get paid less, even those on budget productions that rival or blockbuster releases traditionally. are. Huh." There are more." The release didn't mention any streaming platforms by name, but a spokesperson told CNBC that Apple claimed less than 20 million subscribers in the US and Canada as of July 1.

The union is preparing for a possible strike after talks with production companies stalled, stating that "the explosion of streaming combined with the pandemic has increased working conditions and the 60,000 screens covered by these contracts." " The workers in the rear are brought to a breaking point. "

Apple TV Plus has several big-budget shows on its roster, including The Morning Show, which stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, and the surprise hit comedy about American coaching from Ted Lasso, an English football club. Ted Lasso had a big showing at the Emmys last week, including Outstanding Comedy for Star Jason Sudeikis, Lead Actor in a Comedy, and Supporting Acting Awards for Brett Goldstein and Hannah Waddingham.

The Morning Show reportedly costs $15 million per episode, and several writers and stars Ted Lasso have reportedly negotiated more lucrative contracts for the show's third season. Apple said in July that it had a net profit of $21.7 billion on revenue of $81.43 billion in the third quarter of 2021.

Apple and IATSE did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Verge on Saturday. An Apple spokesperson told CNBC that it pays rates comparable to those of the major streaming services.