The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

June 1954 THE CINE-TECHNICIAN 125 Settlement in the Lab Dispute— by George Elvin THE announcements made to our members and the Press on the 14th June record a new stage in our progress towards improved conditions and wages for our laboratory members. As long as it is recognised as another step forward and not the end of the road we can be reasonably satisfied with the progress made. It was in the spirit that the proposals were a progress report and not a final settlement that our members at a mass meeting on Sunday the 13th June, accepted them. We all remember how our big complaint against the Film Laboratory Association during the stoppage was that they refused to negotiate with us and whilst we said we were not averse to arbitration being used at the proper time and proper place we were not going to allow it to replace negotiation. The interim settlement indicates complete success for A.C.T. on this vital matter of principle. We have had four meetings with the F.L.A. and it is only fair to record that their Chairman opened up the first meeting by stating it was their desire to try and settle all problems by negotiation and the talks were conducted in that spirit. As a result, a settlement was reached, or appears likely, on eight of the ten points of difference between us. Unfortunately on the two major points — an overall wage increase and a shorter working week — the employers would not budge but they have agreed to a form of arbitration which is biased less heavily against the Unions than some of the traditional forms of arbitration. Details of the settlement are as follows: (1) To consolidate 30/ of the cost of living bonus as claimed by A.C.T. This will mean an increase of 15/ per week to nightshift workers and increases of varying amounts to employees who work overtime and hours for which premium rates are paid. (2) A third week's paid holiday to employees with 10 years' continuous service. (3) Meal allowances to Transport Drivers who are away from their normal canteen facilities and who take main meals in public restaurants. (4) A.C.T.'s claim for a general increase of wages and a 40-hour week to be referred to the Arbitration of two Arbiters one nominated by each party. The Arbitration will take place as early as possible and the parties will accept any joint award made by such Arbiters. (5) Discussions to continue regarding revision of the Disputes Clauses of the Agreements and the inclusion of new Grades in the Agreements. (6) An endeavour will be made to include similar clauses in all Agreements where practicable. The first three points came into operation from 14th June, 1954. No agreement has been reached regarding A.C.T.'s claim for 100f'f Trade Union membership but it has been agreed to include in the Technicolor Agreement provision for notification of vacancies of scheduled grades to the Employment Bureau. This therefore, is our interim progress report and as was made clear at the mass meeting of members we would not have got a single one of the points upon which we have obtained either complete or partial satisfaction but for the magnificent stand and solidarity which our laboratory members have displayed during the past few months. The General Council and Laboratory Negotiating Committee will not consider their task done until they have obtained an overall increase and an acceptable settlement of all our original ten points. A.C.T. EQUITY Answer U.S. Unions A CTORS' Equity and the Association of Cinema■t* tograph and Allied Technicians have had their attention drawn to the decision of the Hollywood Films Council of the American Federation of Labour to exert pressure on American companies who are producing television programmes in England that such productions should be directed back to the United States of America on the ground that American labour is otherwise being deprived of legitimate employment. Whilst our unions have no wish to quarrel with America or its trades unions on protective measures, we would point out that there would be no benefit to either of our respective countries or trades unions if we both adopt an attitude of insisting that all films and all television programmes shown in our respective countries must be home-produced. In this connection the British unions are drawing the attention of their American colleagues to the fact that over 709f of the screen time of British cinemas is devoted to American films. A policy of ban and counter-ban would undoubtedly react unfavourably on American film actors and technicians. British entertainment unions have, however, indicated to their Government their willingness that up to 20rr of transmission time on British commercial television may be foreign in origin. At present television films made in this country take up less than 1% of the time available on American television. If the narrow restrictionist attitude of the Hollywood Committee of the American Federation of Labour is maintained it is clear that countermeasures by British trades unions would become inevitable and the figure of 20% would have to be reviewed. We will be happy to discuss with our American trades union colleagues all measures necessary to protect employment of native artists and technicians on a basis of reciprocity. Equity and A.C.T. are conveying these joint views direct to their American counterparts: the Screen Actors' Guild, the Screen Directors' Guild, and the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees. They are also asking the British Trades Union Congress to raise the matter with the American Federation of Labour and are requesting the British Government to intervene. (Signed) GORDON SANDISON, General Secretary, British Actors' Equity Association, 8 Harley Street, London, W.l. (Signed) GEORGE H. ELVIN, General Secretary, Association of Cinematograph and Allied Technicians, 2 Soho Square, London, W.l. 17th June, 1954.