The big rift between UK trade body Pact and union Bectu over their upcoming TV drama deal took another turn with Pact summoning streamers and broadcaster commissioners for a “summit” to discuss next steps.
With the deal due to expire on September 1 and no resolution in sight, Pact said the “independent producers” can no longer solve the problem on their own and a buyout is needed.
Pact expects a “summit” to be held next week, with commissioners from major Sky broadcasters and UK streamers invited to take part.
Bectu members voted “overwhelmingly” to reject the terms of the pact for the weekend deal, which governs areas such as working conditions, schedules, “prep and packing times” and overtime.
Bectu has since filed new terms of the deal, Deadline includes, including requirements for not working weekends without team approval and no overtime without team approval.
“The rejection by BECTU members of the new terms and conditions creates a problem that independent producers cannot solve on their own,” said Max Rumney, the pact’s deputy executive director and director of economic affairs.
“Production managers report that requirements such as off-work weekends without team approval and overtime without team approval affect their ability to schedule and in some cases make production within budget impossible.” .
Pact previously claimed that Bectu’s terms would put British mid-budget dramas out of the reach of even the richest American studios. The organization took an unprecedented step last week when top producers sent out a letter urging film crews to sign the deal or risk “damaging all scripted television.”
Source: Deadline
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