Screen Ireland Welcomes 2020 Crew Agreement Between Screen Producers Ireland & SIPTU Members
Posted: 8th December 2020
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland welcomes a new comprehensive agreement for the film and TV drama industry in Ireland, announced by SIPTU and Screen Producers Ireland, which will modernise and standardise work practices across the industry. We would like to congratulate Screen Producers Ireland and SIPTU on concluding the agreement after 3 years of active engagement and acknowledge the extensive work which has gone into this process.
The 2020 Crew Agreement modernises the 2010 agreement including regularising evolving work practices while helping to promote good practice and will act as a framework for the industry.
SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Karan O Loughlin, said: “This new agreement will come into operation in January 2021 and covers all grades except film construction which is subject to separate negotiations.
“This is a good day for independent production crew. The proposals have been accepted by 83% of crew on a return of almost 70% of ballot papers. This level of support gives the agreement a very solid foundation for workers in the industry. The proposals have also been accepted by producers and we will now move quickly to set up a joint monitoring group which will oversee the implementation of the agreement and its practical operation on the ground.”
She added: “Great credit is due to the film crew members who, as part of their SIPTU committee, worked tirelessly over the last two years to ensure we could get an agreement that is modernised and fit for purpose. This agreement deals with all aspects of day to day work for crew, enables producers to compete for work internationally and provides a pay structure that will bring stability to the industry for the next three to five years.”
In a statement yesterday Screen Producers Ireland said “The new Agreement will make Ireland an even more attractive location to shoot Feature Film and High-End TV Drama. The Agreement will also help the Government meet its AV Action Plan target of doubling employment in the sector in by 2028.”
The agreement also implements an industry pension scheme operating under the Construction Workers Pension Scheme (CWPS) and establishes a monitoring structure to oversee the operation of the agreement. It also includes a commitment to developing the first Worklife Balance policy for the film and television industry.
This Agreement comes on the foot of the Workplace Relations Commission's Audit of the Republic of Ireland Independent Film and Television Drama Production Sector in the Industry and sends a strong message that the industry is committed to collaborative industrial relations.