Commercials ballot

London freelance members working in commercials are being balloted on the future of the AFVPA agreement.

This follows negotiations with the AFVPA (Advertising Film and Video Producers Association) which have been ongoing since January 1999.

During 1999 talks collapsed, but were resumed just before Christmas, and the AFVPA have now tabled revised proposals.

These include a pay award in line with the increase in the cost of living from July 1998, which will probably be about 3%, to be expressed as flat rate increase to benefit lower paid grades.

Other issues affected by the AFVPA proposals are hours of work, Saturday working, night work, meal breaks and travel.

The ballot closes on 24 May 2000, and BECTU Assistant General Secretary says: "If you are a freelance member in London and you work regularly in commercials you should by now have received a ballot paper. If not, phone 020 7437 8506."