The film industry can be a confusing workplace. What are working dues and how do daily hires work? We’re here to help you understand your rights and obligations. Enter: Clearing the Fog. This new series, brought to you by Local 849 BA Shelley Bibby, will provide you with clarity on topics that can be confusing or unclear. Each month will focus on a different topic.

What is a Grievance?

“I want to file a grievance!” is one of the most frequently misused statements I hear. In the Local 849 Standard Agreement, grievances are discussed in “Article 25. SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES.”

A grievance is a complaint or disagreement between the Company and the Union about the meaning, interpretation, or application of the Collective Agreement. It can also be a response to a violation of an employee's rights on the job—whether under the Collective Agreement or under legislation. Not all complaints are grievances. They need to clearly violate either the contract or the law.

What is a Letter of Dispensation?

A Letter of Dispensation (LoD) is a simple agreement between the Union and a Production. It sets out some agreed-to minimum working conditions and is sometimes called a Members-only Agreement. It is most often used with low-budget, indie productions that plan to have only a few Union members engaged.

Working on a Flat Rate

Local 849’s Standard Agreement rate sheet (Schedule A) lists minimum hourly rates. Although the Union does not encourage it, some members negotiate flat daily or weekly rates. They’re often in Set Decoration, Costumes, Construction and Scenic, though some shooting/on-set crew will also work on a flat.

Clearing The Fog