On the 30th September Bectu representatives met with Pact Heads of Production to review the TV Drama Agreement. The agenda for the meeting was agreed in advance and included negotiating points previously raised by Bectu including; Prep and wrap, the semi-continuous working day definition, overtime and unsociable hours. During the meeting Pact and Bectu agreed to draw up a joint statement regarding withdrawal of additional guidance. The signed document can be downloaded here and the wording is below:
TV DRAMA AGREEMENT JOINT STATEMENT
Pact and Bectu are currently in negotiations to review and clarify aspects of the independent TV Drama Agreement. During the initial constructive meeting, which took place on 30th September 2021 both parties agreed the objective of talks was to deliver an unambiguous agreement without the need for additional guidance. Together we acknowledged that published guidance issued by Pact and Bectu has been a source of friction between producers and crew. Our aim is to continue the negotiations and update any sections of the agreement that have caused disagreement as soon as possible. For clarity, any guidance produced by Pact or Bectu is independent of the agreement. It does not form any part of the collective agreement. Upon successful conclusion of the talks Pact and Bectu commit to withdrawing all existing guidance and working together to review and resolve jointly any differences without the need for issuing separate guidance.
Since the meeting Pact and Bectu have exchanged written proposals on the agenda points and these are currently being considered by both sides.
Over the next few weeks we will continue to discuss the proposals and outstanding points with Pact. The next meeting between Pact HoPs and Bectu reps is due to take place at the end of November, although a date has not yet been confirmed. We aim to have negotiations concluded as soon as possible and will provide a further update after the November meeting.
Your branch reps have done an incredible job representing your interests and fighting for improved working conditions for all crew working in TV drama. Preparing for negotiations has taken many evening meetings, often attended after a days filming. Please take a minute to thank your branch committee members and negotiating representatives, who work tirelessly on your behalf.
Paula Lamont & Andrew Jennings (LPD & RPD Assistant National Secretaries)