BBC TV performers have accepted a pay increase and improved working conditions as part of the Equity-BBC TV Agreement.
The performers, who are members of performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity, voted by a majority to accept the new deal, which will be implemented on 7 April.
The agreement covers performers working on in-house BBC drama, comedy, and children’s productions, including Eastenders, Casualty, Doctor Who, and Silent Witness. It also includes actors, walk-on and supporting artists, dancers, stunt performers, puppeteers, and singers.
The workers will see a 13% increase to minimum episodic fees based on payment per episode and associated payments, including production day payments, overtime and fees for supplementary attendances, as well as a 10% increase to minimum weekly and all other fees. This will mirror the rates in the Pact TV agreement.
In addition, the agreement includes penalties introduced for late payment of royalties by the BBC, the introduction of provisions for the engagement of minors aged from 10 years to school leaving age, with pay rates of no less than half the adult rates and entitlement to secondary payments, and access riders to be negotiated before the start of engagements.
Equity intends to seek further improvements to terms and conditions for dancers, choreographers, and stunt performers and co-ordinators later this year.
Natalie Barker, industrial official for TV at Equity, said: “With this agreement, the BBC makes vital commitments to our members that their experience at work will be safe and dignified. It was important to secure a significant increase to pay in this round of negotiations to mitigate the squeeze our members have experienced on their pay over a number of years of high inflation.
“In addition, we have achieved improvements to the agreement which deliver real protections to our members in their workplaces. The BBC makes vital commitments to our members that their experience at work will be safe and dignified. Incorporating terms for minors for the first time, ensuring artists between 10 and school-leaving age have the benefit of union contracts and minimum rates of pay, is a significant step.”
A BBC spokesperson added: “The BBC has a strong working relationship with Equity and is very pleased to have updated its framework agreement in a way which underlines the BBC’s commitment to excellent working conditions and meaningful protections for freelance actors in a difficult economic climate. We look forward to continuing our close working partnership.”
