The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

April 1955 CINE TECHNICIAN 51 Shepperton Dispute — The Facts THREAT TO FILM UNION BRINGS STUDIO WALK OUT TT'IRIVI stand by members of Association of Cine and Allied Technicians checked ominous move by Commercial TV Company, Associated Rediffusion, to use BBC Staff Association as negotiating body for film and TV technicians. ACT members employed on Shepperton's first Commercial TV film, The Haven, walked out on union instructions following company's refusal to reconsider recognition of BBC Staff Association. Work was resumed on Friday, April 15th, when Associated Rediffusion withdrew original letter to ACT to which objection had been raised. Letters below outline main points in dispute, and are published for information of ACT members and other trade unionists concerned. From H. T. Middleton, A.C.T., to Mr. Lloyd Williams, Associated Rediffusion Ltd., 25.3.55 In view of recent statements in the Press I think we should remind you that as far as the employment of any grade of technicians normally covered by this Association is concerned we shall expect the company to negotiate rates of pay and conditions for such personnel through this Association and I must make clear at the present moment we are not prepared to recognise negotiations for these technicians other than through this office. From Mr. R. T. Harris, Business Manager, Associated Rediffusion Ltd., to Mr. H. T. Middleton, 2.4.55 Mr. Lloyd Williams has passed to me your letter of the 25th March. As you will have seen in the Press this Company has concluded an Agreement with the BBC Staff Association and the National Union of General and Municipal Workers. This Agreement is, of course, completely logical in view of the type of operations to be carried out by this Company which will enable it to offer permanent and pensionable employment in the Television industry. Under this Agreement full cover will, of course, be granted to all grades of employees in the same manner as in the British Broadcasting Corporation; I would like to suggest therefore that, in accordance with normal Trade Union practice, should you wish to satisfy yourselves as to the standards of pay and conditions of service offered by the Company, you should do so with the BBC Staff Association and the National Union of General and Municipal Workers. From H. T. Middleton to Mr. R. G. Harris, 5.4.55 Thank you for your letter dated 2nd April, contents of which have been noted. Unless this letter is forthwith withdrawn unconditionally I anticipate that my Executive will take the necessary steps to advise our members not to work on your forthcoming production at Shepperton Studios, which I understand is due to commence shooting on Tuesday, 12th April, under one of your subsidiary companies, namely, " Future Films." From Mr. R. T. Harris to Mr. H. T. Middleton, 6.4.55 I have today received your letter of the 5th April and I regret the tone which you have apparently felt it necessary to adopt, presumably because you are not as yet in possession of the full facts concerning the case. Future Productions Limited (not " Future Films," as stated in your letter) is a film production company and officials of that company would have no objection to meeting you and discussing matters affecting its employees. I have passed a copy of your letter to the Secretary of Future Productions Ltd. and understand that he is writing to your General Secretary to that effect. In so far as Associated Rediffusion Ltd. is concerned, it is