Screen Industry Working Conditions
VFX Guild supports Screen Industry Workers Act 2022 (SIWA)’s intent to protect screen workers, but we are not registered as a workers' organisation under the Act.
Screen Industry Workers Act 2022 (SIWA)
SIWA is a comprehensive piece of legislation developed collaboratively by industry professionals and supported by the Government. It specifically targets the relationship between contractors—known as screen production workers—and the engagers, such as producers and production companies. Its core objective is to ensure fair treatment and compliance with fundamental employment principles within the screen industry.
Mandatory Terms
The Act introduces several mandatory and enforceable terms that must be included in all contracts for screen workers:
Compliance with Health and Safety at Work Act and Human Rights Act: Ensures that all parties adhere to established health, safety, and human rights standards.
Bullying, Discrimination, and Harassment Processes: Establishes clear procedures for addressing and resolving issues related to workplace bullying, discrimination, and harassment.
Dispute Resolution Processes: Provides structured mechanisms for resolving disputes between screen workers and their employers.
Termination Notice Periods and Compensation: Outlines requirements for termination notices and compensation to protect workers' rights in case of contract termination.
How Can You Be SIWA Compliant?
To ensure compliance with SIWA, it is essential for both contractors and contractees to familiarize themselves with the regulations. Resources such as the Starter Pack and the Best Practice Guide offer valuable information, guidance, and templates to aid in this transition.
These resources are designed to support individual workers and screen businesses at all levels of experience and craft, helping them navigate and adhere to the legislation effectively.
For more detailed information and resources, visit https://www.screenindustrynz.co.nz/.
Post - Production Workers’ Organisations:
Screen Music and Sound Guild of New Zealand
The Directors and Editors Guild
of Aotearoa New Zealand
The Screen Industry Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand (SIGNZ)
Is a registered Workers’ Organisation that represents crew working on the show side of production, including camera, lighting, art department, locations, and all VFX technicians.
SIGNZ advocates for fair, safe working conditions and is the go-to organisation for collective bargaining. They publish the Blue Book, which outlines standard rates and working conditions, and run ScreenSafe, supporting industry health, safety, and anti-harassment initiatives.
——For more information on the VFX Guild’s Position on SIWA. Please contact us at +64 27 34 888 41 or info@vfxg.nz