PACT and Bectu Joint Statement RE TV/SVOD Drama Series Agreement 2023

A joint statement from Pact and Bectu concerning the TV/SVOD Drama Series Agreement 2023:

Review Meeting

Reps and officials from Bectu and Pact met on 17 July to review the agreement for TV/SVOD Drama Series. Both Bectu and Pact had tabled items of interpretation and practical implementation of the agreement. The discussion was wide-ranging and frank. We discussed a range of matters such as managing 20 minute statutory breaks; workshop hours; working 6th,7th and 8th days; travel v work; reporting of budget bands; Nations Bank Holidays and the need to redraft the disputes clause. This is not an exhaustive list.

However, the dialogue was constructive. Pact and Bectu have agreed to issue joint guidance. This is being drafted at present and consulted on by both organisations over the coming weeks. Members will be notified when the joint guidance is published.

Arbitration

In accordance with the dispute provisions of the TV Agreement, Pact and Bectu submitted their dispute on clauses B.1.9 (Early Call) and B.6.2 (Broken Turnaround) to an arbitrator. Unfortunately, the decision of the arbitrator is not clear-cut and does not provide the resolution that Pact and Bectu were seeking. However, the process of arbitration has allowed both Pact and BECTU to understand each other’s position more clearly. Accordingly, Pact and Bectu have agreed, after further consultation with members, to meet on 23 August to try to outline an industry-based resolution to the disputed clauses.