Boards controversy

Controversy surrounds boards about to held for Sound positions in Studios.

The boards are to be held as a result of the acceptance of proposals that settled the long running London Operations dispute.

The boards relate to the ERR areas of the proposals, and involve a number of promotions to reduce the need for future.

In Studio Cameras and Lighting it is understood that senior craft practitioners will be on the Board panels - however in boards for Sound Supervisors and Sound Assistant 1s management do not intend this be the case.

The Branch has said to management that a senior practicing craft presence is essential on all of the Boards and ideally a member of the HR (Personnel) team.

In a related area it has been clarified the boards will also cover the proposed permanent and 50% acting positions. Management have said:

"The duration and timing of the attachments will be dependent on the number of suitable candidates as we want to give suitable staff sufficient opportunity to gain acting experience and be able to apply for future permanent positions.

On the issue of how the 50% acting will be applied we would expect to offer an allowance to compensate for working at a higher level for a proportion of the year and if this proves to be more than 50% then the allowance would be increased accordingly either retrospectively or in advance if there is a known commitment. This would not be on a daily basis but as an increased attachment allowance."

ESPG members should contact the Branch immediately if they have further questions on the above.