BECTU is the trade union supporting UK staff and freelances working in the media and entertainment sectors. We play an important role in representing and promoting the best interests of the industry’s workforce – in broadcasting, film, independent production, theatre, the arts, games development and allied areas - and we invite you to join us
BECTU's latest campaign addresses conditions for staff/freelances in TV production.
Staff
Our site branches work with the many employers who negotiate with BECTU on the key terms affecting staff employment – job security, pay, training, maternity and paternity rights and health and safety for example.
Our work on behalf of staff, whether on full-time, part-time or on fixed term contracts, is as substantial as our efforts on behalf of the thousands of new and established industry freelances, without whom our creative sectors simply would not function.
Freelances
Our freelance members are also organised in branches, according to geographical location or skills. Here too, collective issues combine with individual casework to define what we do and we also support members with specialist issues such as tax, copyright, and public liability insurance (PLI). Several of our freelance branches set recommended rates for their skills groups and, typically, these are reviewed annually.
In all cases, our branch officials work with their national officials to respond to members’ needs.
Campaigns
Our current campaigns centre on the needs of low paid staff working for contractors at the BBC and on the conditions which many independent production staff working in factual TV have to endure. Follow @bectu and @nototvabuse for more info.
New entrants
One of our biggest priorities currently is our on-going work on behalf of new entrants. BECTU is a vocal campaigner on behalf of new entrants and we challenge employers who fail to comply with the national minimum wage. (New entrants should download the application form on this page).
BECTU also provides Creative Toolkit a site focused on the needs of new entrants. (Follow @creativetoolkit).
Young members in BECTU have also come together to set up the Young Members Forum - find out what they have to say!
Why join BECTU?
Join BECTU and you join your union - an organisation focused on supporting your career and improving your working conditions. The more members we have, the greater our influence with the employers and employers' associations we work with. Join BECTU and you also gain access to a range of additional benefits and services including legal services and low-cost PLI for freelances.
Contact us
You'll find much more information about BECTU and its activities on this site. However if you'd like more to contact us directly please email info@bectu.org.uk You can also follow us @bectu
