Are there any good employers?

BECTU is looking for freelance film and broadcast productions who schedule in line with working time law.

Although the UK Working Time Regulations have only been in force for about 18 months, the union already have a fat file of companies who regularly flout them.

But BECTU doesn't have an equivalent file of good employers who do the decent thing and schedule their productions carefully and professionally.

It is of course perfectly natural that BECTU members should let the union know when something goes wrong, but don't feel the need to get in touch when things are fine.

However, information on good employers is just as important as the low-down on wrong-doers. It helps give the union a benchmark on current good practice. And it gives the lie to bad or lazy employers who tell us that it "simply isn't possible" to run productions safely and responsibly.

So, if you've a BECTU members, and have worked on a well-managed, happy production - let the union know about it - particularly:

• Productions where the daily schedule allowed everyone - including "prep and wrap" departments like Hair & Make-Up or Costume & Wardrobe - to get proper daily rest breaks (minimum 11 hours).

• Productions where the overall schedule allowed crew members to take days off as paid holiday during the contract.

• Productions where it wasn't possible to take holiday during the contract, but where everyone got paid properly at the end for holiday entitlement that they had accrued but were unable to take.

The union like to know the production title; the production company or broadcaster; and - if appropriate - the name of the Producer, Line Producer, Production Manager, or Head of Department who you feel should take the credit.

Send details to Martin Spence [email protected] or by fax 020 7434 1221