The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

124 CINE TECHNICIAN General Council in Session August 1955 Slow Progress on Labs Agreement LAB NEGOTIATIONS: An interim report of the negotiations to clear up outstanding matters on the new agreement showed that progress was very slow in a number of respects, particularly in the negotiations for senior grades and certain new grades, and in agreement of a Disputes Clause. The principle was endorsed that all members must be covered by the agreement, although there would be no objection to some acceptable formula for certain senior grades along the lines of the B.F.P.A. Agreement. The Executive also had before it a resolution passed by the Lab Negotiating Committee, pressing for a speedy conclusion to the outstanding matters, and it was agreed to convey these to the Film Laboratory Association, and press for settlement within one month. Further, it was agreed to inform Laboratory Shop Stewards of the position. "COCKLESHELL HEROES": A report was received on the employment of a sound crew of two on this production on the authority of the then shop steward, but without prior consultation with the local committee or Head Office. The matter had subsequently been straightened out satisfactorily and it was agreed to note the report. BUSTER KEATON was to direct and act in a pilot film, and, if this was satisfactory, to make a series of 39 for Sapphire Films for American TV. A.C.T. welcomed so distinguished a person as Buster Keaton working here, and would not oppose a permit for the pilot, especially as an A.C.T. member would co-direct; a decision would be made later on the series. BARNES STUDIOS: Harry Middleton had held a meeting with the management regarding arrangements for reimbursements to members of money expended in obtaining lunches. The Company have no canteen and arrangements have been made for them to pay 2/6 per day until such time as canteen facilities are arranged, retrospective to 1st June. A question also arose at this studio regarding the dismissal of a Production Manager. Arising from the intervention of Head Office the Company agreed to pay the technician concerned a fortnight's salary in lieu of notice. WARWICK FILMS were reported as being two short on the sound crew for a proposed foreign location. The Executive had pressed the company to employ a sound crew of four, and, while A.C.T.'s Employment Bureau would do all it could to help, the onus rested on the company. The company had employed three on sound and agreed to fly another over, when anyone was available from the Bureau. Arising from this, the General Council unanimously agreed that when nobody was available, the membership should be informed of such jobs, so that they could make the necessary arrangements to change employment if they wanted to. NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE: Bessie Bond reported negotiation to operate the new A.S.F.P. Agreement and specifically the observance of feature rates and conditions when technicians were engaged on advertising films and TV Commercials. She had been helped considerably by the firm stand taken by the membership. The only outstanding point was a request from the management that when the B.F.P.A. Agreement was observed the working week should be 44 hours and not 37£ hours which was normal in the company. The Executive could not ague to this, as not only would there be difficulties in its operation but more particularly it was contrary to Clause 7 of the Agreement. The management had sent letters to three members of the staff, inviting them to resign. The Executive endorsed the demand of the local membership that the letters be withdrawn. ASSOCIATED REDIFFUSION had inserted an advertisement in the Evening News offering prizes to amateurs submitting suitable film material covering their holiday experiences. The intention appeared to be to obtain cheap film material for TV commercial programmes. The Executive agreed to stress the distinction between a bona fide amateur programme and amateurs being used to provide cheap material. INTER-UNION AGREEMENT: It was agreed to accept a request from N.A.T.K.E. for a meeting with themselves, A.C.T. and E.T.U. to discuss three points in connection with the operation of the Inter-Union Demarcation Agreement. It was noted that the first point had been settled, namely the transfer of the N.A.T.K.E. member employed at R.C.A.Photophone to A.C.T. The other two matters concerned the organisation of Projectionists at Pathe Newsreel and certain claims by A.C.T. for transfer of N.A.T.K.E. membership employed by the B.B.C. The Executive agreed that it should also add to the Agenda other points for discussion, including: (1) The question of Projectionists at M.G.M. Laboratory. (2) The general complaint that frequently N.A.T.K.E. members seek transfer to A.C.T. jobs without the employers concerned making prior approaches to the Employment Bureau. THIRTY-NINE UNEMPLOYED members were registered on the Bureau as at 1st July a decrease of twelve on the June figure. During June the Bureau had filled fortv-two vacancies. EIGHTEEN AMERICAN TECHNICIANS and one Portuguese had permits to work in Britain this month none had been opposed by A.C.T.