The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

July 1956 CINE TECHNICIAN 107 General Council in Session UNION ACTS ON A.R.-TV "REDUNDANCY" Further to the withdrawal of notices following Trade Union action, a meeting was held at Wembley Studios between A.C.T., N.A.T.K.E., E.T.U., and A.S.W. and representatives of the Management. Redundancy lists were passed to the Trade Union side and it was interesting to note that these had been reduced from 157 to 90. The Trade Union side requested the attendance of the head of each department affected by the redundancy. Each union, after questioning the Company's representatives, stated that they were not satisfied that any case had been made out for redundancy. After retirement the Management and the Unions agreed that a further meeting should be held on 13th July, meanwhile all notices were to be withdrawn. Following this meeting, a mass meeting was held on 11th June, and the following resolution was moved from the floor and unanimously accepted : "This joint meeting of the membership of the Unions concerned wishes to convey to their officials and stewards appreciation of their work and the satisfactory solution that has been obtained. Further, unless employees at Wembley join their appropriate Trade Union the four Unions mentioned will refuse to work with them after 12th July." The Executive expressed appreciation of the attitude of members concerned, asked to be informed prior to any specific action arising, and gave assurances of general support. RANK SCREEN SERVICES LTD. —LETTERING AND LAYOUT ARTISTS: Bessie Bond reported that as a result of approaches to the Management of this company our members now receive the extra 5r/r under the A.S.F.P. Agreement, the increases being backdated to the date the matter was raised. THOROLD DICKINSON attended the Executive Committee to give a report on the International Film Authors' Conference, which he had attended with a watching brief from A.C.T. and also on discussions which had taken place with the French film technicians on broader matters of policy. (A report of the Conference by Thorold Dickinson, appears on page 104). It was agreed to discuss at a future Executive meeting the other matters at the same time as the report of the A.C.T. Italian delegation was received. NEGOTIATIONS WITH TELEVISION PROGRAMME CONTRACTORS: Harry Middleton reported that it would soon be necessary to submit proposals covering salaries for members employed on live television. The A.C.T. Television Negotiating Committee had drawn up salary proposals which were before the Executive for consideration. It was agreed to commend the Committee on the extremely valuable work undertaken, and the Organiser was asked to take back certain helpful amendments for consideration. The Executive would await a further report. SOUND SECTION: At a Committee Meeting it was brought to notice that Contractors sent engineers to studios for maintenance work who were not paid at the correct rate. Arising from this a resolution was carried drawing attention to Clause 18 of the B.F.P.A. Agreement and requesting representatives of Sound within the Studios to check the Contractors' employees' trade union cards and to inquire whether or not they are being paid the rate for the job whilst in the studio, and if not to report the matter to the Shop Steward immediately, who will contact Head Office. This was endorsed. POLISH FILM TECHNICIANS: The President, Anthony Asquith, Vice-Presidents and the Officers had met the Polish technicians visiting Britain and exchanged technical ideas with them. NEW STUDIO: P. Leech paid an official visit to the new AngloScottish Haliford Studios. An (Continued on page 108) THE PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT of a leading aircraft company requires the services of a man with good all-round practical experience of film work. It would be hoped that he would play the main part in producing short documentary films dealing with the company's products. Duties would include the preparation of scripts, some editing and cutting, and general administration of the small film library. Considerable scope for initiative and enterprise is offered. Candidates are invited to apply to Box No. CT/175, Charles Sell, 5-6 Red Lion Square, London, W.C.I.