Unionization Debate Heats Up in New Zealand
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key's government is pushing through legislation that would make unionization of the Kiwi film industry harder to accomplish, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Warner Bros. encouraged the law change during negotiations with Key over the recent row with unions over THE HOBBIT.
The opposition, Labour and Green, parties are strongly against the move stating it's the New Zealand government bowing to a foreign corporation. Key's National Party claims the move is to secure confidence in the NZ film industry.
The new law categorizes film workers as independent contractors. Additionally, a change to the Large Budget Screen Production Grant will give productions over $15 million a 17.5% tax rebate.
In other news regarding the debate, the police are investigating death threats sent to top union leaders.
The opposition, Labour and Green, parties are strongly against the move stating it's the New Zealand government bowing to a foreign corporation. Key's National Party claims the move is to secure confidence in the NZ film industry.
The new law categorizes film workers as independent contractors. Additionally, a change to the Large Budget Screen Production Grant will give productions over $15 million a 17.5% tax rebate.
In other news regarding the debate, the police are investigating death threats sent to top union leaders.
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