One month ago, Cartoon Brew broke the news that the global vfx producer DNEG was planning to impose pay cuts on all staff earning more than more than £35,000 (USD$42,845). BECTU, the union that represents the U.K.’s media and entertainment sectors, publicly condemned the implementation of the policy. It is now claiming a partial reversal, which Cartoon Brew has confirmed with DNEG and its production partner Locksmith Animation.
In a statement, the union says that DNEG has partly reversed its plan, and at least some staff in this pay grade will continue to receive their full salary. The union claims that staff working in DNEG’s feature animation division in London will be paid 95% of their salary by the company, with the remaining 5% paid as a project “completion bonus” by business partners.
BECTU alleges that staff were initially pressured to accept pay cuts of 20%–25%, and that many still are. DNEG confirmed that it was asking staff to take the cuts, but has not commented on specific numbers. It attributed the policy to disruption caused by the coronavirus, and previously told Cartoon Brew that affected employees will receive some compensation through equity.