History
1930's
"We have achieved our object. From disorder and chaos has emerged a thoroughly efficient trade union organisation,
with a virile policy. With Equity as our plough we can prepare the ground for an ever greater and more successful future."
1931 Annual Report
1940's
Christmas cards are sent to members serving in the forces and parcels to those known to be prisoners of war. Supply of
coupons for make-up and essential costumes; provision of rationed and unrationed food when on tour.
1950's
The Union reaches its 25th Anniversary.
Members are instructed not to work in any theatre that operates a colour bar. This specific issue and
others to do with apartheid and South Africa, go on into the 1980s.
1960's
"The first major industrial battle undertaken by the whole profession against a powerful group of employers
...which not only astonished and dismayed the Programme Companies but attracted the admiration of other
trade unions and the public"
The ITV dispute - 1961/2 Annual Report
1970's
As the Industrial Relations Bill goes through Parliament Lord Olivier's maiden speech includes a plea for maintenance of
a closed shop for Equity. Employers support Equity's application for an "approved closed shop" but TUC opposes such
applications and Equity is suspended from TUC and Scottish TUC. Re-admitted to both in 1974.
1980's
Two year dispute with the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising over use fees for members engaged in television
commercials shown on Channel 4 and TV-AM is settled in 1984. The settlement increases basic studio/session fees and
establishes a level of use fees for Channel 4 and TV-AM, and introduces Temporary Membership for models appearing in
television commercials.
1990's
Equity takes a test case featuring members Alec McCowan and Samuel West to the Special Commissioners and wins. This is
the culmination of the union's efforts to persuade the Inland Revenue and the Government to restore Schedule D taxation for
theatre earnings. This victory is followed by a campaign to retain Class 1 National Insurance status.
2000 - 2005
A dispute with films' employers results in instruction to members to not work on new film projects after 1st December 2001.
Huge support from members working in film and continuing negotiations result in a landmark New Films' Agreement under
which artists get a share in the success of British films.
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