BECTU have released a news update on the current situation with actors and directors in the US:
The National Board of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has voted for strike action after its television, theatrical and streaming contracts expired without a deal.
Bectu, the UK’s union for the creative industries, extends its solidarity and support and reaffirms its solidarity with the WGA strikes.
Bectu is concerned that a perfect storm is brewing in the UK film and TV production sector, and that the factors contributing to the slowdown – including high inflation, a drop in advertising revenue and the BBC licence fee freeze – that have led to reduced commissioning from the broadcasters, will be exacerbated should the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) fail to reach agreement with SAG-AFTRA.
Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:
“We stand firmly with SAG-AFTRA and WGA East and West, who are at the forefront of ensuring that the people who create the films and TV dramas that we all enjoy, receive a fair contract fit for the 21st century. Without their creativity there is no film and TV industry.
“We urge the AMPTP to step back from the brink, to tone down the rhetoric and to negotiate realistically and in good faith to bring talks to a successful resolution.
“This is a global fight that is pivotal for workers across the world and solidarity with US actors and writers is important for raising standards globally.”
In an email to members last week, National Secretary Spencer Macdonald included the following advice:
This news will no doubt cause concern for some members already experiencing a UK industry slowdown mainly caused by high inflation, a drop in advertising revenue, and the BBC licence fee freeze leading to reduced commissioning from the broadcasters.
Bectu remains in contact with UK industry stakeholders and the US unions regarding the strikes and we will keep members updated as news comes in.
In the short term, we encourage anyone who is struggling financially and/or with their mental health to pursue the options available to you with our friends at the Film & TV Charity.
People working behind the camera in film or TV can apply for Stop Gap Grants of up to £750 (for urgent financial needs). Applications can be made over the phone on 0800 054 0000 or by starting a live chat via the website. In addition, applicants may be able to work with their Wellbeing At Work Advisers who can provide 1-2-1 support to help people navigate anything from debt to mental health worries.
24/7 Support Line (filmtvcharity.org.uk)
ScreenSkills provides career support and training. The ScreenSkills bursary is a cash grant to help remove the obstacles to getting into the screen industries or progressing your career once you are in. You can apply for money to pay for most things that relate to work and continuing professional development, such as training fees, accommodation, care, disability access costs, equipment, software, and travel.
Please keep an eye out for further updates.
More information about the bursary and the broad range of training available can be found on the ScreenSkills website. www.screenskills.com
Your union is also an effective support network, so if you have any further questions and would like to be put in touch with your branch committee, please email lpd@bectu.org.uk