Hours cut in film construction deal

Freelance construction workers on feature films have voted in favour of a new pay and conditions package that will cut their weekly hours from 50 to 40 by 2005. The three-year deal, negotiated by the BECTU broadcasting union, follows a pay dispute early last year that almost brought production on three major features (Harry Potter, Troy, and Thunderbirds) to a standstill.

The new agreement covers carpenters, painters, plasterers, riggers and stagehands. In January 2003 most of these workers were on £800 for a 50-hour week. From January 2004 most of them will be on £850 for a 42.5-hour week. In 2005 the basic week will be reduced further to 40 hours. The union agreed to concede a traditional afternoon tea break in return for new rest and refreshment arrangements on set.

Martin Spence, BECTU Assistant General Secretary praised the deal: " It recognises and rewards the skills of the industry's construction workers; it tackles the industry's chronic long-hours culture; and it gives us a base to build on for the future." The package was negotiated with the Producers' Association for Cinema and Television, and the Production Guild.