Australian Actors Threaten Strike Over Union Agreement

Canberra, Australia (CNS) - Australian actors are threatening a strike if producers won't resolve a union agreement by next month. The Actors Equity section of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance will vote on whether a strike should be called for.

The Actors claim that the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) suddenly decided to "rip up" the Equity/SPAA Offshore Commercials Agreement without warning or consultation.

The Offshore TV Commercials are ads that come from outside the country to be made in Australia.

The Equity's National Performers' Committee has voted unanimously in favor of conducting a ballot and recommended members to vote on a strike action on offshore commercials from August 7, when the agreement is terminated.

National Equity Director Simon Whipp said, "It is very unfortunate that it has come to this," adding that there had been no discussion between the producers and the actors about the amendments.

"But the producers' decision to walk away from this Agreement without consultation, without negotiation and without raising their concerns leaves performers with no alternative."

The current agreement set the minimum terms and conditions, as well as broadcast rights for artists working on TV and theatrical commercials produced in Australia and predominantly for use by overseas advertisers.