22/12/2005

The BVR (German Union of filmmakers) has just announced its decision to end a long collaboration with the professional lobby ver.di (acronym of 'Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft', which means 'united services') ,

In 1978, the BVR joined the big German union (at the time called DAG) based on common tariff interests. Over the years, other professional groups joined the DAG, which led to loosening the union and widening the gap between the choices of the DAG and the interests of the filmmakers. Recently, the BVR complained about the weaknesses of a common agreement negotiated by ver.di, who replied this Summer by accusing the BVR of ill will. This month, ver.di offered to start collaborating again but the latest board meeting of the BVR decided otherwise.

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The filmmakers' union claims that ver.di is not adapted to the many needs of the film industry, as reveals the fact that the conditions of work and the retribution of filmmakers have not improved a lot since the DAG years. Furthermore, ver.di never acknowledged the special status of film authors (who are often independent and produce their own movies) requires special support. Now the BVR is joining the BfB, a union for liberal professions, such as doctor, lawyer, or architect. The BVR was so disappointed by its lobbying experience with ver.di that it will now focus only (but efficiently) on film and TV directors.

(Translated from French)