Equity row rumbles on as clients query need for fresh deal

Advertisers are digging in for a long fight in their dispute with

the actors’ union, Equity, with many now said to be questioning the need

for a new agreement.

Employers’ sources claim that with significant numbers of Equity members

prepared to defy the union’s ban on commercials work, the absence of an

agreement is helping to keep costs down.

An insider said. ’Advertisers are getting the work done for less.’

Employers have refused to renegotiate their 1991 agreement with Equity

unless it accepts revised payments for voiceovers which, they claim, are

out of line with payments for on-screen actors.

The union claims to have had informal peace overtures from a number of

agencies. A regular TV advertiser is said to be prepared to break ranks

and sign the 1991 agreement.

’We told them to get their trade associations back to the negotiating

table,’ an Equity spokesman said.