Grievance and disciplinary process for Post-production Houses: disputes over hours and conduct
Long sessions, tired people and demanding clients lead to disputes. A plain, fair process for raising and settling them protects staff, freelancers and the house.
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Share your requirementsWhy grievance and disciplinary process matters in post-production houses
A grievance in a post house usually begins in a small way. An editor was kept until three and not paid for it. A colourist felt a client was rude. A runner lost a drive. Left alone, these become resentment, then a resignation, or a complaint from a client. Often the owner learns the story from a third person, long after.
A simple process helps. A way to raise a concern, a set time to respond, a fair hearing for both sides and a written note of the outcome. For serious matters such as loss of client material or misconduct, the steps should be checked with a qualified professional, since legal rules apply.
How to set it up
1. Write down how to raise a concern
Who to speak to, how to put it in writing and who to go to if the matter involves the first person. Share it with staff and freelancers.
2. Set response times
Acknowledge within a day and give a first answer within a week. Say so in the note.
3. Hear both sides
Talk to each person separately, listen without comment and take short notes. Include the suite manager and the client contact only where needed.
4. Decide and record
Write what was found, what will change and by when. Share the outcome with the people involved.
5. Handle serious breaches with care
For loss of material, harassment or dishonesty, follow the steps agreed with a qualified professional and keep the record confidential.
Check these first
Before changing anything, find out what is true today. These take an afternoon and use your own records.
- Ask staff whom they would speak to about a late hours dispute.
- Count concerns raised in the last year and how many reached a written outcome.
- Check what happened the last time a client behaved badly with an operator.
- See if freelancers know whom to approach with a problem.
GullyHR can do this with you. Read how we approach grievance and disciplinary process in general, or share your requirements and we will tell you where to start.
Questions owners ask
They should have a way to raise concerns, even if the rest of the process differs. Tell them whom to contact before the first session so they are not left guessing.
Support your staff, speak to the client at once and note it. If it repeats, discuss with the client whether the booking should continue. Staff need to see that you act.
For serious misconduct, loss of client property, harassment or anything that may end a person's engagement. Confirm the steps with a qualified professional before acting.