Labour Court sets negotiation timetable for screen actors’ payments dispute

The Labour Court recommended a timetable for negotiations between Screen Producers Ireland and the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union over proposed changes to the television agreement. The union sought time limits on licensing members’ work so actors could receive additional payments when films entered new markets or appeared on new platforms. The employers said they needed details to assess the proposals’ costs and likely effect on the industry. The Court recommended that the union set out the payments it sought within four weeks, the company respond with any requests for further particulars within another four weeks, and both sides hold intensive discussions aimed at completing an agreement within four months. Any outstanding issues could return to the Court for a definitive recommendation. The recommendation was signed on 16 December 2014.