The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

106 CINE TECHNICIAN July 1956 Lab Topics (continued) It is unfortunate that this report is being written during the course of this trouble, thus making it impossible to give a complete outline, as many points are still being discussed. Before leaving this problem it must be reported that various other shops have already passed local resolutions to the effect that while any members made redundant are still without work in our industry on no account will they work with fresh entrants, obviously the members at Technicolor are adamant in this also, and at the same time appreciate and thank their brothers in other shops for this support. F.L.A. We have not yet started discussions with the F.L.A. re the new agreement. A copy of the proposals has been sent and in the near future the first meeting will I hope take place. We have now met the F.L.A. for the first time to discuss the TV news week-end work problem, which has been causing so much trouble to our brothers at Olympics and elsewhere. They have listened to our proposals and are coming back with their answers shortly. We should be able to report further in the next issue of the journal. The mass meeting of Lab members held to discuss the " Agreement" has been reported elsewhere in the journal, thus I will not add to it other than to say, " Good luck, brothers ". One of the Technicolor Floor Stewards, with many years of trade union activity to his credit, not, unfortunately, with A.C.T., has submitted the following lines: Does This Touch You? Are you an " ACTIVE " member, the kind that would be missed, Or are just contented that your name is on the list? Do you attend the meetings. and mingle with the flock, Or do you only stay at home, and criticise, and knock? Do you take an active part to help the work along, Or arc you satisfied to be the kind that "JUST BELONG"? Do you ever go to see a member who is sick, Or leave the work to just a few, then talk about a clique? There's quite a programme scheduled, which I'm sure you've heard about, And we'll appreciate it if you, too, will come and help us out. So come to the meetings often, and help with hand and heart. Don't be just a member, but take an active part. Think this over, comrade, you know right from wrong — Are you an ACTIVE member, or do you " JUST BELONG " ? ARTHUR DENT We very much regret to announce the death, at the end of last month, of Arthur Dent, chief of Adelphi Films and a very good friend af A.C.T. He will be deeply missed by a host of friends all over the world. We print below a copy of a letter which the General Secretary sent to his son, David Dent, on behalf of A.C.T. : I was very sorry indeed to read of the death of your father. As you will know, he had always been a very staunch friend of ours and indeed put his friendship to practical use when he helped A.C.T. Films on one of its early productions. We have always been appreciative of your father's zealous advocacy of British films and his sense of fair play in dealing with all those associated with him. Will you please accept yourself and convey to your family our very genuine regrets at your bereavement. Yours sincerely, GEORGE ELVIN. TV Producer-Directors' Section A negotiating committee of A.C.T. TV Producer/ Directors' Section led by Harry Middleton met a representative board of A.R.-T.V, including Colonel Harris and John McMillan, for three extremely hard-fought discussions. The result was satisfactory to both sides. Of twelve directors who had been declared redundant, one was completely reinstated; four had their contracts extended to 30th September; and two were offered acceptable alternative contracts. It was agreed that five of the cancellations should stand. Members of the A.C.T. committee were unanimous in their appreciation of the reasonable and human manner in which A.R.-T.V. had conducted negotiations. A happy augury for future relations with A.R.-T.V. (See also General Council Report on next page) Cine Quiz WHO WAS THIS FAMOUS STAGE AM) FILM STAR? He is seen here in his last silent picture, made by Gainsborough in 1!>28. i Ansiri r on page 108)