AQTIS members present a major compromise - A settlement is within reach in the Quebec film industry; the ball is now in IATSE's camp

AQTIS members present a major compromise - A settlement is within reach in the Quebec film industry; the ball is now in IATSE's camp

MONTREAL, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- A solution to the union conflict which has plagued the Quebec film industry for months is now within reach thanks to a major compromise confirmed yesterday by AQTIS technicians who stated their opinion in a postal referendum. The next move is now up to IATSE, who wants to set up shop in Quebec and who must now agree to sit down and discuss the result of the democratic vote. In the vote, Quebec film technicians decided to give IATSE the "majors" (AMPTP members), their affiliates and all independant productions financed at more than 51% by a "major", but to let AQTIS continue to represent all other independant films, a formula similar to IATSE's representation of workers elsewhere in Canada .

A major step taken in the interest of labour peace in the Quebec film
industry

"IATSE's total refusal to compromise for months now has caused a major crisis in our industry. AQTIS accepted the responsibility to find a solution likely to protect our members interests and bring back labour peace, as well as respect the laws of Quebec. Today we are announcing a major compromise which should resolve the deadlock, bring American productions back to Quebec and allow our members to get back to work", declared AQTIS president Celine Daignault.

AQTIS maintains that the democratic results of the vote must be respected. "In the event the american union decides not to respect the result of the opinion of the very workers it wishes to represent, we will let the representatives of the industry decide which conclusions to draw in the face of such intransigence" added Daignault.

Senator Francis Fox, named by the Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications as facilitator in the conflict has been informed of the vote's results. AQTIS officials expect to be called in to a meeting at his office next week to discuss the details of an agreement which will not only respect the will of the workers and the laws of Quebec but also allow Quebec to maintain its edge in a very competitive world market.

About AQTIS

The "Alliance quebecoise des techniciens de l'image et du son" (AQTIS) represents over 2 700 technicians and artists working in the thriving film and television industry in Quebec and has done so for over 40 years, maintaining the stability required for it's growth and development.

Source: ALLIANCE QUEBECOISE DES TECHNICIENS DE L'IMAGE ET DU SON

CONTACT: or for interview requests: Diane Jeannotte, Diane Jeannotte
Communications, T: (514) 284-2860, poste 2, C: (514) 772-8019; Source:
Alliance quebecoise des techniciens de l'image et du son (AQTIS)

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