Australian producers, through Screen Producers Australia, have acknowledged that experienced crew leaving the industry because of its work practices is creating a crew shortage crisis. In a meeting this week they proposed to address this with more “flexible” working conditions and a skills training package to be funded by government. Without presenting specifics, they indicated that daily overtime, travel radius, and increased part-time work were areas where they saw potential for increased flexibility.

However, SPA has not agreed to include living wages and annual increases in industry agreements. MEAA argues that this is an integral part of maintaining the industry’s skill base, especially in departments where rates are uncompetitive with other industries.

Producers have broadly agreed with MEAA’s proposal that training on workplace policies, management and dealing with complaints is needed, and have proposed a roundtable to discuss scheduling issues in detail.

MEAA will consult with members on these proposals, but made it clear that any proposed flexibility that encroached on the time crew need to rest, recover, and spend with families would not be agreed. Crew are already being asked to work at an unsustainable level, leading to burnout and loss of skilled and experienced people.

As negotiations continue, the MEAA screen crew negotiating committee will continue to advocate for realistic wages and scheduling, along with increased commitment to safety and professionalism in our workplaces.

The next meeting is set for July 21.