Probability of agreement with Pact / Bectu’s scripted crew decreases further as Pact publishes red book of new terms and conditions and Bectu rejects one month extension

The likelihood of a Pact / Bectu agreement on crew working conditions was greatly reduced when the UK trading entity Pact released new recommended terms and conditions for when the Bectu agreement ends on September 1st.

Pact said he was asking for a one-month extension of the talks, but this was rejected by the Bectu TV union.

Instead, the commercial entity has published its own set of advisory working conditions, called the Red Book, “to provide clarity when the existing agreement expires.”

“We are very disappointed that these serious efforts to bring all parties around the table have been rejected by some branches of Bectu, despite the best efforts of union leaders,” said Covenant Chief Executive John McVeigh. “We are always ready to return to the table if circumstances change.”

Under the pact, the Red Book “honors the promise made to the crew about work-life balance and includes a shorter working day and better pay for night work, weekend work, vacations and preparation. and packaging “.

It will be sent to all UK theatrical indies, many of which were involved in the talks and some teams that voted to vote rejecting the terms of the deal two weeks ago.

McVeigh said today’s move was made “to create clarity for producers and crew starting next month.”

Bectu chief Philippa Childs said the decision to reject the expansion was supported by all branches of the union.

“Bectu has given 6 months notice of our intention to terminate the agreement, so it is disappointing that we have not been able to resolve these outstanding issues within this time frame. The pact took months to present a revised and detailed offer and negotiate points of disagreement, “he added.” This agreement is central to the need to improve working life and well-being and it is imperative to do it right. “

Major producers such as Banijay, Bad Wolf and Element Pictures have taken the unprecedented step of writing to the British team urging them to sign the deal or risk “all [UK] The scripted television is damaged “.

Following the vote, the Pact held a summit last week with the commissioners of major broadcasters and economic affairs, and although those talks were constructive, the trade body is now preparing for life after the deal was extended five times. years.

A key argument for the deal is that high-end screenwritten TV would be virtually inaccessible if Bectu’s requests were met because it would be much more expensive to make, and Deadline understands that UK streaming service executives have raised concerns.