Film and TV union Bectu has voiced concern over current pay cuts being imposed on vfx and animation workers.
Many animation and VFX companies are proposing significant cuts to wages and terms and conditions in response to the Covid-19 crisis, according to reports made to Bectu.
The union says that in some cases, proposals are posed as a “take-it-or-leave-your-job” package and very short consultation deadlines have been given to agree terms.
Bectu is asking companies to consider giving a detailed overview of their financial position to workers before requesting cuts, that the cuts should be treated as loans from the workers which are paid back before any further dividends are paid to shareholders and that assurances should be given to staff affected by these changes about job-security.
Bectu assistant national secretary Paul Evans said: “Bectu recognises that that companies have to make adjustments at this difficult time, and the union welcomes any alternatives intended to reduce job-losses.
“We encourage employers to contact us before making any announcements so that we can reassure members that cuts in wages and terms are being requested for legitimate reasons, and not as an opportunity to continue the race-to-the-bottom that the industry often engages in, in respect to terms and conditions.
“The industry already has a skills shortage and experienced workers will leave in their droves if these cuts are part of a strategy to undercut competitors and accelerate this race to the bottom.
“Many companies offer minimum terms of sick-pay, redundancy, notice periods, pension provision and overtime arrangements. Our members are reacting quite badly now when management talk to them about “our” company. Shareholders have enjoyed the rewards. Now they should also be shouldering the bulk of the risks.”
Staff Reporter
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