As Hollywood returns to set following the resolution of the Actors’ Strike, the French audiovisual sector is grappling with its own challenges as crews campaign for increased pay. The recent three-day strike has significantly impacted around 70 TV productions, including popular shows like TF1’s “HPI,” the Walking Dead spin-off “Daryl Dixon,” Canal+’s “Marie-Antoinette,” and France Télévision’s web series “Deter.” However, unlike the Hollywood strikes, the French industrial action has not received the same level of media attention. In this article, we delve into the key issues and demands raised by the unions representing audiovisual technicians and their impact on the industry.
The strike, called by the three main unions Spiac-CGT, SNTPCT, and CFTC Media+, has been fueled by a growing sense of anger and dissatisfaction among its members. According to Spiac-CGT, employees in the French audiovisual sector have faced a decline in their purchasing power by 20% since 2007 due to stagnant minimum wages. In addition, their working conditions have deteriorated significantly, particularly with the advent of digital platforms, amplifying working hours and exacerbating job insecurity. What was once considered a profession driven by passion has now become increasingly restrictive and exhausting, with declining salaries in the face of rising inflation.
The strike has disrupted the shooting schedules of several high-profile productions. For instance, “Daryl Dixon” was scheduled to film in the historic town of Saint Malo in Brittany but had to suspend production after just one day. The series was also set to travel to Mont Saint Michel. Other non-fiction shows, including “Top Chef,” “Capital,” and “Equipe,” have also faced disruptions. The stoppage of these productions not only hampers the creative process but also has substantial financial implications for the actors, crew members, and production companies involved.
The core demand of the striking unions is a 20% pay increase for all audiovisual crew members across the board. The unions argue that such an increase is necessary to alleviate the financial challenges faced by employees in the industry and to restore their purchasing power. In response to the strike, several meetings have taken place between the unions and producer and distributor bodies such as USPA, SPI, SPECT, and SATEV to negotiate a collective agreement. However, dissatisfaction arose when the unions discovered that the next meeting was postponed to December 5 and that the proposed wage increase might be different for various types of productions.
In rejecting the possibility of different pay “revaluations” for different programs, the Spiac-CGT declared the need for immediate attention from the concerned parties. The unions’ unhappiness demonstrates the urgency with which they want their concerns addressed. As a result, the unions announced a third day of strikes on Friday and warned of sustained action in the coming days and weeks if their demands remain unmet.
While the producer and distributor bodies have urged broadcasters and streamers to contribute to the increasing wages of audiovisual crew members, they also emphasized that all parties involved must share the economic burden. Recognizing the financial realities of the industry, the bodies plan to present a minimum salary proposal during the next meeting on December 6, one that takes into account the economic and professional specificities of fiction. The statement from the producer bodies serves as a call for broadcasters and streamers to acknowledge the importance of fair remuneration and play their part in ensuring a sustainable future for the industry.
The recent strike in the French audiovisual sector highlights the discontent and frustrations among audiovisual technicians regarding their working conditions and wages. The disruption caused by the strike has not only affected the filming schedules of several productions but also poses challenges for actors, crew members, and production companies. As negotiations continue, it is imperative for the industry stakeholders to address the demands of the unions and work towards establishing a fair and sustainable system that values the contributions of all those involved in creating and producing audiovisual content in France.