Ken Loach event tonight

Film director Ken Loach and BECTU’s Gerry Morrissey will discuss trade union organisation at an open event tonight, 16 October 2008.

This special session comes, of course, at a time when BECTU, in common with all other trade unions, is focussed on helping its members through these testing times for the economy.

The event will be chaired by Mike Dick, Chair of BECTU’s Writers, Producers and Directors Branch, at The Drill Hall, 16 Chenies Street, London WC1E 7EX.

Make sure you join us for what promises to be a lively and informative discussion.

Timetable for this evening:

• 1830 - Registration and drinks (pay bar)
• 1900 - In conversation (time will be allowed for questions)
• 2100 - Event closes.

Admission to the event is free and is open to all. Since space at the Drill Hall is limited attendees are requested to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Ken Loach

Ken Loach has directed of some of the most forward-thinking films of our time including Kes, Cathy Come Home and My Name is Joe.

Few directors have been as consistent in their themes and their filmic style, or as principled in their politics, as Loach has in a career spanning five decades.

Without doubt he is Britain’s foremost political filmmaker. Ken has been a member of BECTU and its predecessor unions for more than 40 years. Ken was granted honorary membership of BECTU in 2007.

Gerry Morrissey

Gerry Morrissey has been a trade union member since he was 17. He led two successful strikes at the BBC, one in 1998, over pay, job cuts and privatisations, and another in 2005.

He is deeply involved in industry developments, including the BBC's move to Manchester and ITV's current problems with regional news.

Today’s uncertainties present still more challenges for the creative industries workforce; Gerry is focussed on increasing BECTU’s ability to organise and to help.