Protect the professionals
It will be of little use for Tom Laughton to look to Equity to get something done about paid work being taken from professionals by amateurs, the latest example being 40 unpaid amateurs in the English National Opera’s Messiah.
Preferential Professional Performer Casting Agreements were negotiated to replace the union-only closed shop in the eighties. These still remain, it is just that Equity does not seem to attempt to enforce them. Council is still required to promote, protect and preserve the interests of its members on a strictly professional basis as laid down in the objects of the union. Despite this, nothing appears to be achieved when complaints are made by members who are pros (who also accept walk-on work) as well as my advisory committee. We have long protested to council that they should make stronger efforts to do more.
Michael Earl
Vice-chair
Equity Walk-On and Supporting Artist Committee
Email address supplied
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