Production company trade body, Pact, has put forward new proposals to broadcasting union Bectu over drama working conditions.
Pact says that under “wide-ranging new proposals” crew will benefit from “shorter working days, additional pay for prep and wrap, unsocial hours payments, increased overtime fee cap and bank holidays paid at double time.”
The new offer encompasses all budget levels up to £7million (per hour) and covers all scripted genres across the nations and regions including children’s and comedy. Pact is also proposing a new budget band aimed specifically at very high budget productions (over £7m per hour) “with further enhanced terms to be negotiated with Bectu as a priority.”
Pact has requested that Bectu put forward this new proposal to its members for ballot.
Pact’s Deputy CEO and Director of Business Affairs, Max Rumney said: “The last few years have been some of the most challenging our industry has ever had to face. Everybody has played their part in getting productions back on the road, something which we should all be collectively proud of.
“Increased growth and demand have placed huge pressure on all parts of the industry, a situation both Pact and the Producers are keenly aware of and sympathetic to. We believe that this proposal ensures better work/life balance and greater financial benefits for crew, all whilst safeguarding the future of the UK independent scripted production sector.”
A ‘Producers Spokesperson’ said: “Having an agreement is a huge benefit for crew and producers as it provides a unified framework. However, producers recognise that the 2017 Pact/Bectu agreement requires further improvement, and this proposal is specifically aimed at addressing the pressures that exist for those working in the industry.”
Jon Creamer
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