Freelancers move on BBC

Thousands of BECTU freelance members are being asked to sign a petition seeking union recognition at the BBC.

The campaign to win rights for freelancers who work for the Corporation was launched at an open meeting in London on June 22, amid anger at the BBC's bid to cut their pay rates.

BECTU hopes to gather enough signed petition forms to begin the process of winning union recognition through the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), the government body that has the power to grant union rights to groups of workers.

Bargaining rights over pay, hours, and holiday entitlement are being sought for several thousand freelancers who work for the BBC and BBC Resources Ltd.

The union already has recognition on behalf of freelancers in Scotland, and wildlife film-makers in the BBC's Natural History Unit in Bristol.

At the launch meeting, a BBC plan to introduce a UK-wide rate card governing freelance rates was attacked by officials and members.

Martin Spence, BECTU's Assistant General Secretary, said: "Staring us in the face is a BBC plan to cut freelance rates across the board. This is the one single issue that will unite freelancers, and the union will do everything possible to resist this cost-cutting move.

"We've been tracking the BBC's activities for some months now, and the plan for a cut-price ratecard has generated more anger among our freelance members than anything I can remember."

Union official Tom Bell reported on a successful effort to win recognition for freelancers working on ITV show "The Bill", saying: "It was a long, hard, slog, but we got there in the end purely through the determination of our members".

Petition forms have been sent to BECTU freelancers across the UK, and copies can be downloaded from here. Although they may eventually be shared with the CAC, they will remain confidential.

The union hopes to make its legal move for recognition later in the summer, in time to head off the national imposition of reduced rates on BBC freelancers.

More meetings are planned for regional members:

• Bristol - 1930 Thursday 6 July 2006: Arnos Manor Hotel, 470 Bath Road, Bristol BS4 3HQ (next to ITV West Studios)
• Manchester - 1930 Thursday 13 July 2006: Mechanics Centre, 103 Princess St, Manchester, M1 6DD
• Birmingham - 2000 Monday 17 July 2006: Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Pinsent Masons Room, Hurst Street, Birmingham (please use the Thorp Street Entrance)