12 Oct 2010

Actors meet over union boycott of Hobbitt

10:28 am on 12 October 2010

Dozens of actors have met in Wellington to protest against a trade union boycott they fear will block chances of employment on The Hobbit.

The actors say the boycott is counter-productive.

Actors Equity is boycotting The Hobbit, supported by foreign unions, following a refusal by Sir Peter Jackson to negotiate a collective contract.

Sir Peter says the deal they want is prohibited under New Zealand law.

The meeting on Monday night was attended by about 70 actors, along with Sir Peter's co-producer Philippa Boyens, as well as by the Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly.

People there said there was little agreement between Ms Kelly and Ms Boyens.

No statement was issued after the meeting and the exact status of talks to revive production of The Hobbit, which is encouraged by the Government, remains under wraps.