Pact eyes improved terms for scripted TV crews under Bectu agreement

UK producers trade body Pact is seeking to improve the terms of its drama agreement with creative industries union Bectu for scripted TV crews.

Max Rumney

The Pact/Bectu UK TV drama agreement was established in 2017 and covers key working terms and conditions for crew in the independent scripted sector.

Pact is now proposing improved terms and conditions, under which crew would benefit from shorter working days, additional pay for prep and wrap, unsocial hours payments, increased overtime fee caps and bank holidays paid at double time.

The new offer encompasses all budget levels up to £7m (US$8.3m) per hour and continues to cater for all scripted genres across the nations and regions, including children’s and comedy.

Pact also proposes a new budget band aimed specifically at very high-budget productions (over £7m per hour), with further enhanced terms to be negotiated with Bectu as a priority.

Pact has requested that Bectu put forward the proposals to its members for ballot.

Pact’s deputy CEO and director of business affairs, Max Rumney, said: “The last few years have been some of the most challenging our industry has ever had to face. Everybody has played their part in getting productions back on the road, something which we should all be collectively proud of.

“Increased growth and demand have placed huge pressure on all parts of the industry, a situation both Pact and the producers are keenly aware of and sympathetic to. We believe this proposal ensures better work/life balance and greater financial benefits for crew, all while safeguarding the future of the UK independent scripted production sector.”

A producers spokesperson added: “Having an agreement is a huge benefit for crew and producers as it provides a unified framework. However, producers recognise that the 2017 Pact/Bectu agreement requires further improvement, and this proposal is specifically aimed at addressing the pressures that exist for those working in the industry.”