Writers Support Actors Equity Proposal

Writers Support Actors Equity Proposal

19 October 2005

The New Zealand Writers Guild has reiterated its support for the proposal that Actors Equity join with the Media Entertainment Arts Alliance.

Under the proposal Equity would receive financial assistance from the MEAA, an Australian media alliance.

"This move will enable Equity to become a far more effective advocate for actors," said Guild Executive Director Dominic Sheehan. "Local actors and writers face many of the same problems, including an inability to negotiate fair minimum pay and conditions. Anything that gives actors a more influential voice is good for workers industry-wide.

"Claims from opponents that this move will be bad for business are unfounded. In fact, we believe the proposal will help build a more sustainable and professional local industry.

"This proposal represents an exciting opportunity for Equity. Producers, agents and others with a vested interest in the merger not proceeding have all had their say. It is now time for them to step aside and let actors determine the direction of their union. We urge actors to get as much information as they can about the proposal and make an informed choice."

ENDS

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