Film & TV Industry Hit Hard by Labour Scarcity
Publié le November 1, 2022
Montreal, November 1, 2022 – While the film and television industry has been heavily impacted by the scarcity of labour, like other industries, lack of training is also a major issue for its future. Those are the findings of a major study of labour needs and workforce qualification conducted by the consulting firm Aviseo and the FTQ-affiliated union AQTIS 514 IATSE, with the support of the Quebec Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity, and the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail (CPMT).
The study surveyed the current situation in the 200 technical trades represented by AQTIS 514 IATSE. The results indicate that the 6% forecasted growth in demand by 2027 will increase the pressure on the union’s members. A labour shortage is anticipated in several departments, including hairdressing, sound (TV), locations, special effects, editing, props, camera, continuity, grips (TV) and make-up. Retirements will aggravate the anticipated shortage (14% of members are over 55).
Training is key
The majority of members (81%) believe improved training is needed; it would facilitate the work of technicians and also draw new talent to their trades. 66% of respondents said the lack of training makes it harder to attract people to the industry.
“This report makes it possible to identify initiatives that will increase the regard in which our professionals are held by local and foreign producers,” says Christian Lemay, President of AQTIS 514 IATSE. “Providing more basic training and continuing training, improving productivity on the set, and enhancing our facilities to accommodate more productions will help keep our industry healthy. We are counting on the support and collaboration of the Quebec government to implement some of the proposed solutions.”
“Our organization now has a clear picture of the situation and has identified concrete actions to support the professional development and employability of our technicians,” says Sandrine Archambault, Executive Director of AQTIS 514 IATSE. “Knowing that 50% of our members are between the ages of 30 and 50 and 61% are men, we want to work more closely with educational institutions and attract more women, young people and people from diverse backgrounds.”
An English version of the study will be available soon.
SOURCE
AQTIS 514 IATSE
Marie-Josée Rivard
Director of Communications and Professional Training
514 773 3351 | mjrivard@aqtis514iatse.com