Why are UK agents upset with the Equity union regarding child actors?

Agents accuse Equity of not prioritizing child performers, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, and failing to improve their pay and working conditions.

What specific issues do the Agents of Young Performers Association (AYPA) raise with Equity?

AYPA highlights poor pay in theatre and BBC productions, lack of parental engagement fees, and inadequate support for young actors' well-being.

How does Equity respond to criticisms about child actor representation?

Equity states it works to improve conditions through collective agreements, ensuring minimum rates and residuals, and operates within the legal framework for young workers.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Child Actors Union Dispute: "Not a Priority"

Child Actors Union Dispute: "Not a Priority"

1 Dec

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Summary

Child actors' agents accuse Equity union of neglecting young performers.
The union is criticized for failing to improve pay and conditions for disadvantaged youth.
Equity claims it advocates for young performers within existing frameworks.

Child Actors Union Dispute: "Not a Priority"

The Agents of Young Performers Association (AYPA) has voiced significant frustration with the Equity union, alleging a lack of prioritization for child actors, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Despite numerous meetings aimed at improving pay and working conditions, AYPA asserts that tangible changes remain elusive. The association points to specific concerns in theatrical and BBC in-house productions, contrasting them with higher rates in larger international productions. They argue that Equity should negotiate better pay and advocate for engagement fees to cover parental expenses like travel and lost earnings.

Equity counters that it actively works to enhance pay and conditions for young performers through collective agreements, including an updated pact with the BBC that mandates rates no lower than half of adult rates and residual entitlements. The union emphasizes that child performers operate within a distinct legal framework compared to adults, and they are committed to investigating breaches of minimum rates and protections. This dispute comes amidst other ongoing negotiations and legal challenges involving Equity.