The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

November 1956 CINE TECHNICIAN 173 General Council (Continued) "ACTION OF THE TIGER": A letter had been received from the Unit Steward regarding a dispute which had arisen with N.A.T.K.E. about the driving of a camera car by an A.C.T.T. member on this location. The Executive agreed that Head Office should inform the Steward that it was, in fact, general practice for a N.A.T.K.E. driver to be used (with the exception of Documentaries or Newsreels, where special arrangements have been made with N.A.T.K.E.). SHORTS AND DOCUMENTARY SECTION: The question of technical activities has occupied the attention of the Committee and a proposal to have a series of meetings throughout the winter was enthusiastically endorsed at a general meeting of the Section. A small sub-committee was elected to prepare three lectures combined with film shows. The first one was tentatively arranged for November 29th. BRITISH TRANSPORT COMMISSION FILMS will be using a unit to do some night shooting over a period of four weeks. They approached Bessie Bond for her views on the matter, there being no arrangements laid down in the A.S.F.P. Agreement. The Organiser asked for the terms of the Feature Agreement to apply, since a precedent had been set for our Feature members. The Organiser, in company with the Shop Steward, met the Management. They offered time-and-a-half payments for the whole period of the film, but this was rejected by the Organiser. The Organiser was pleased to report they had now agreed that the conditions of the B.F.P.A. Agreement would apply. LETTERING ARTISTS: A report was received from Mrs. Bond on the dismissal of nine Lettering Artists out of a total of 15 from Pearl and Dean and Youngers. The Management claimed these dismissals were necessary, as the department was working at a loss and they had made arrangements to sub-contract the greater part of their title work for reasons of eeconomy. Four of the artists had over twenty years' service (cne was subsequently offered a job in another department), and the Management had offered to pay the three men with long service six weeks' salary; the others, two weeks' salary free of income tax in lieu of notice. In addition, those in the superannuation scheme are to receive their payments together with the amount contributed by the company. The following resolution had been submitted by the Shop: " This shop meeting passed a resolution of full support for the lettering artists as to any action the Executive feel necessary. " The shop would like clarification of the reasons for dismissal of the eight Lettering Artists and earnestly desire that all notices shall be withdrawn until the shop is fully acquainted with both sides of the dispute." The Executive considered that there was no justification for the Management's attitude and A.C.T.T. could never agree to a company solving its economic problems in this fashion. The Organiser subsequently reported that the notices would be completely withdrawn and the position of the department reviewed at the end of the year. The Organiser placed on record her appreciation of the part played by the Shop Steward in helping to bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion. (Continued on page 174) PRODUCER required to supervise the production of TELEVISION COMMERCIALS Well-known London Advertising Agency (in Commercial T.V.'s top six) requires an experienced Production Executive in the Television Department. Duties will include supervising the production of films for Commercial T.V., and a good knowledge of the technicalities of film making is essential. In addition, an ability to make a creative contribution would be a decided asset. Salary in accordance with qualifications and experience. BOX No. 186, Cine Technician, 5-6 Red Lion Square, London. W.C.I