Conference approaches

BECTU's 1998 Annual Conference in Manchester is fast approaching in mid-May.

Motions submitted by branches for discussion at the Conference concentrate heavily on health and safety issues, particularly long hours and undercrewing. Training and education are covered, as are pensions, welfare reforms and the minimum wage.

The union's National Executive Committee is putting forward a proposal aimed at achieving greater fairness in the subscriptions paid by different sectors of membership.

Many of the campaigns and organisations run or supported by BECTU will be exhibiting at conference, and this will be a chance for delegates and visitors to get first-hand information about the range of benefits and services on offer through BECTU. Apart from the legal, copyright, insurance and financial service providers, there will be a chance to see how BECTU's information technology strategy is developing.

This is the first time in seven years that the union's main conference has abandoned London and gone out to meet members in any of the regions: it's hoped that members in the North West will come along as observers (sorry - no expenses payable to observers, but much guaranteed to be observed!).

BECTU Branches should have already named their delegates for the Conference to the union's Head Office.

The Conference takes place on Saturday 16 May at the Manchester Conference Centre, UMIST, Sackville Street, Manchester M60 1QD.

The Independent Broadcasting divisional conference is being held the preceding Friday afternoon, and the Arts & Entertainment, BBC and Regional Production Divisions are holding theirs on Sunday 17 May, also in Manchester.