The massive rift between UK trade body Pact, union Bectu and union TV Drama Agreement has taken another twist with Pact inviting commissioners to be a part of the streamers’ and broadcasters’ TV Drama Agreement. “summit” to discuss next steps.
The agreement expires on September 1, and there is no solution in sight, Pact stated “independent producers”The problem can not be solved by one person. You need to involve others.
The “summit”Next week’s meeting will be held, Pact hopes. Commissioners from Sky, the UK streamers and major broadcasters will all be invited to weigh-in.
Bectu’s members voted to “overwhelmingly” reject Pact’s terms over the weekend for the agreement, which governs areas such as working conditions, hours, “prep and wrap time”Overtime
Bectu has since sent Pact revised terms, Deadline understands. These include demands that Pact not work weekends without crew approval or overtime without crew approval.
“The rejection by BECTU members of the new terms and conditions creates a problem that the independent producers cannot resolve on their own,”Max Rumney, Pact Director of Business Affairs and Deputy CEO was quoted.
“Heads of production are clear that demands such as no weekend working without crew approval and no overtime without crew approval will damage the ability to schedule and, in some cases, make it impossible to produce within budgets agreed.”
Pact has previously said that Bectu’s terms will lead to mid-budget UK dramas being unaffordable even for the wealthiest U.S. studios. Last week, major producers sent out letters urging crew members to sign the agreement. “the whole of scripted TV being damaged.”