Northern Ireland Screen and BECTU joint statement
Date Posted: May 24, 2022
Northern Ireland Screen and BECTU met on 11 May 2022, as part of a prearranged effort to look at increased and better engagement over issues impacting the Northern Ireland screen industry.
This was preceded by an email from Northern Ireland Screen, which lead to responses from Northern Ireland resident crew and BECTU with subsequent press coverage. The resulting breakdown in communication was avoidable and Northern Ireland Screen and BECTU sincerely regret it. Northern Ireland Screen and BECTU recognise the impact of this on all parties, and the importance of the issues covered. This has been a difficult situation, and one which has highlighted the need for regular, respectful, constructive dialogue.
BECTU recognises the critical importance and ongoing success of Northern Ireland Screen in supporting, developing and promoting the industry in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Screen recognises the role BECTU play in supporting and assisting industry professionals, and the voice that BECTU provides on the issues which affect them.
We recognise that our focus needs to be on anticipating future challenges for the screen industry whilst ensuring sustainable, fair and quality employment for Northern Ireland based screen professionals. We agree that we should work together to achieve this.
We have agreed to schedule a series of meetings with industry professionals from BECTU and Northern Ireland Screen starting in June 2022. We intend to explore practical ways of improving the work experience of Northern Ireland resident crew and promote a better understanding of the issues that face the Northern Ireland screen industry.
Northern Ireland Screen and BECTU are committed to focus on the issues that matter and which we all agree on – a dynamic, sustainable industry which delivers quality employment for our people and continued economic benefit for Northern Ireland.
Angela Moffatt on behalf of BECTU Andrew Reid on behalf of Northern Ireland Screen
