Menu
04/05/2004
Union claims freelance victory at BBC
Freelancers in the BBC's Natural History Unit have won the right for Bectu to bargain on their pay and conditions.
In a postal ballot run under new labour laws governing compulsory union recognition, all but three of the freelancers participating voted for Bectu to represent them.
After a protracted process of legal challenges by the BBC, which ended up in the Appeal Court, ballot papers were sent to 69 freelancers who regularly work for the Bristol-based Natural History Unit. Of the 47 papers returned, 44 were in favour of compulsory union recognition.
The BBC must now open discussions with Bectu about the wording of a formal recognition agreement, which will then allow the union to represent the group in talks about pay, conditions, and other workplace issues.
Bectu has welcomed the outcome of the ballot, not only on behalf of the Bristol freelancers, many of whom belong to the International Wildlife Filmmakers Association, but also because it could mean easier union representation for freelancers across the BBC.
Currently the union is seeking formal recognition for other freelancers who routinely work on BBC programmes like ‘EastEnders’ and ‘Holby City’.
Bectu say that the BBC now has to choose between its traditional posture of opposing recognition bids by the union, or accept that the legal precedents set by the Bristol campaign mean that Bectu will ultimately win the right to represent freelancers no matter how hard the Corporation resists.
(GB)
In a postal ballot run under new labour laws governing compulsory union recognition, all but three of the freelancers participating voted for Bectu to represent them.
After a protracted process of legal challenges by the BBC, which ended up in the Appeal Court, ballot papers were sent to 69 freelancers who regularly work for the Bristol-based Natural History Unit. Of the 47 papers returned, 44 were in favour of compulsory union recognition.
The BBC must now open discussions with Bectu about the wording of a formal recognition agreement, which will then allow the union to represent the group in talks about pay, conditions, and other workplace issues.
Bectu has welcomed the outcome of the ballot, not only on behalf of the Bristol freelancers, many of whom belong to the International Wildlife Filmmakers Association, but also because it could mean easier union representation for freelancers across the BBC.
Currently the union is seeking formal recognition for other freelancers who routinely work on BBC programmes like ‘EastEnders’ and ‘Holby City’.
Bectu say that the BBC now has to choose between its traditional posture of opposing recognition bids by the union, or accept that the legal precedents set by the Bristol campaign mean that Bectu will ultimately win the right to represent freelancers no matter how hard the Corporation resists.
(GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 July 2012
Tory MP Criticises BBC Over Freelance Pay Scheme
A Tory MP has claimed that the BBC has ordered its freelancers to set up their own service companies so the corporation can avoid paying national insurance contributions.
Tory MP Criticises BBC Over Freelance Pay Scheme
A Tory MP has claimed that the BBC has ordered its freelancers to set up their own service companies so the corporation can avoid paying national insurance contributions.
16 December 2003
Freelance working ban imposed to maintain BBC 'impartiality'
The BBC have announced major changes to the guidelines covering the circumstances in which BBC journalists, presenters and freelancers can write regular columns for newspapers and magazines.
Freelance working ban imposed to maintain BBC 'impartiality'
The BBC have announced major changes to the guidelines covering the circumstances in which BBC journalists, presenters and freelancers can write regular columns for newspapers and magazines.
27 November 2003
Bectu issues slams sale of BBC Technology
The BBC are to sell their wholly-owned commercial subsidiary BBC Technology, subject to final approval by DCMS Secretary of State Tessa Jowell.
Bectu issues slams sale of BBC Technology
The BBC are to sell their wholly-owned commercial subsidiary BBC Technology, subject to final approval by DCMS Secretary of State Tessa Jowell.
02 July 2010
Strike Action Looms As BBC Pay Deal Falters
Last-ditch efforts are being made to avoid a potentially damaging strike taking place at the BBC over failed pay negotiations. The broadcast union BECTU has already warned that it believes a strike ballot is likely in response to the BBC's latest offer on pay tabled at talks held at the end of June.
Strike Action Looms As BBC Pay Deal Falters
Last-ditch efforts are being made to avoid a potentially damaging strike taking place at the BBC over failed pay negotiations. The broadcast union BECTU has already warned that it believes a strike ballot is likely in response to the BBC's latest offer on pay tabled at talks held at the end of June.
29 April 2004
More peak time arts, current affairs and documentaries, say BBC
The BBC has promised to air more arts, current affairs and documentaries during peak time viewing. Publishing the Corporation's 'Statements of Programme Policy for 2004/2005' the BBC has underscored a commitment to reduce 'make-over' drama programmes.
More peak time arts, current affairs and documentaries, say BBC
The BBC has promised to air more arts, current affairs and documentaries during peak time viewing. Publishing the Corporation's 'Statements of Programme Policy for 2004/2005' the BBC has underscored a commitment to reduce 'make-over' drama programmes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
