The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

188 CINE TECHNICIAN December 1956 General Council in Session PROTEST ON PETROL The General Council has followed up its protests of September and November against the Government's Suez policy by taking action against the first economic consequence of that policy. As an emergency item, a member of the Council moved a resolution on the petrol shortage and the rise in petrol prices, which had just been announced. Organiser Harry Middleton reported that he was going the following day to see the Ministry of Fuel and Power about special petrol allowances for members who used their cars in connection with their employment. The resolution, which was in three parts, was carried unanimously; it protested at the petrol shortage and price increases, which had been caused by the Government's Suez policy, it sought special allowances for film and TV technicians who used cars to get to outof-the-way studios and other places of work, and it called for the full implementation of the Annual General Meeting resolution on fares and fare allowances for those not already entitled to them. The resolution was to be sent to the Prime Minister, the T.U.C., the Labour Party and to the Press. NEW LAB AGREEMENT: The settlement reached with the Film Laboratory Association (details on page 181), was reported by the Negotiating Committee, and, after discussion, was approved and recommended for endorsement by the Laboratories' Mass Meeting. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: It was agreed to table motions on Television and on the Social Services (with particular reference to health and rent increases), and that later an emergency resolution be tabled on the Government's film policy when this was known. It was also agreed to invite Stephen Swingler, M.P., as fraternal delegate to the meeting. The difficulties of some TV members, who would be working on March 9 and 10, and who were living outside the London area were of particular concern to the Council, and the Executive was instructed to look into the matter. HUNGARIAN APPEALS: The Finance and General Purposes Committee had made an immediate grant of £100 to the International Red Cross, and a circular and collecting sheet, prepared by A.C.T.T., had been sent to each Our New Name T^HIS is the last issue of * the Journal to appear under the name of CINE technician. In order to give full recognition to the growth of the Union's membership in the Television field, starting with the issue of January 1957 the Journal will appear under the name of film and tv technician. shop for the collection of contributions from members to the T.U.C. Appeal. (A list of contributions so far received appears on page 190). MANCHESTER AND BIRMINGHAM BRANCHES: A visit was paid to both these towns over the week-end November 23-26, by Harry Middleton and Desmond Davis. On Friday afternoon they visited A. B.C. Manchester and met many A.C.T.T. members and others. They were able to clear many misconceptions about A.C.T.T. and shed some real light on Associated Broadcasting Staffs. Interest was stimulated in the Television Section Branch. For the first time this shop has an enthusiastic chairman, treasurer and steward. The same evening an excellent meeting of Granada members was held when their suggested Agreement was discussed. Arrangements have been made for the Granada and A.B.C. shops to meet together and form a local united Manchester branch. On Saturday further talks were held with the Granada shop stewards and in the evening A.B.C. was again visited to talk to those members who could not be contacted during the day. On Sunday the Alpha Studios in Birmingham were visited, where interest in A.C.T.T. was revived. The impression gained was that the visit to the provinces was of the greatest value and that to keep interest which had been aroused alive and dynamic, it will be necessary for an Organiser to visit them at least once a month. RADIANT COLOUR: A receiver has been appointed at Radiant Colour Laboratories and notice has been given to all staff from November 30. The Executive agreed that all Laboratory Employers should be written to stating that these members will be available for employment as from November 30 and we hope preferential consideration will be given to them, when jobs fall vacant. Organiser Paddy Leech reported further that negotiations were in hand to keep on a skeleton staff in the hope that the laboratory could be sold to some other company. WOMEN'S T.U.C: Mrs. Bessie Bond met the two delegates nominated to attend the Women's T.U.C. and the following resolution is being tabled: " This Conference urges the General Council to use its influence to publicistthe genetic effects of nuclear weapons with the immediate purpose of discouraging further tests. and with the ultimate object outlawing their use ". PRODUCER-DIRECTORS' SECTION: Two resolutions from this Section were considered: 1. "On the record of the last two years of making British TV films for the American market, this Section believes there is no case for granting labour permits for foreign directors for such films ". 2. Identical with above — substitute " proCiUi • i for " directors ". The Executive accepted both these resolutions and would be guided by them when considering the question of labour permits for television films. PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS — •• BLACK DAWN ": The Executive had been reminded that earlier this