BBC Resources recognition signed
BECTU has signed a voluntary freelance recognition agreement with BBC Resources Ltd, giving the union collective bargaining rights.
BBC Resources recognition signing: Kate Horton HR Partner BBC Resources, Mike Southgate CEO BBC Resources, Martin Spence AGS BECTU, Tony Lennon President BECTU
The agreement covers freelances working across Outside Broadcasts, Post Production and Studios in BBC Resources Ltd.
This is a highly significant development in BECTU's efforts to win bargaining rights with BBC Resources Ltd on behalf of its freelance members.
Other recognition agreements exist in BBC Scotland, and at the Natural History Unit in Bristol. But Resources is by far the biggest entity to sign up with the union so far.
Talks leading to this agreement began almost a year ago.
Assistant General Secretary Martin Spence signed the recognition agreement on behalf of BECTU and said: "This agreement is a big step forward for many freelance members. And it has been negotiated voluntarily, in an amicable and businesslike manner.
"We look forward to building on that, whatever the future may hold for BBC Resources Ltd."
Mike Southgate, Chief Executive Officer of BBC Resources Ltd, signed on behalf of the company and said: "This mutual voluntary agreement is indicative of our ongoing relations with BECTU and with the freelance community, whose support we rely on to deliver high quality service to the industry."