Working conditions campaign

BECTU and Equity have come together in the Behind the Scenes Campaign to improve working conditions.

Members of both unions are being asked to provide feedback on both good and bad working conditions behind the scenes.

The Behind the Scenes Campaign, started by Equity (representing actors in the UK) earlier this year, has been enthusiastically joined by BECTU, and has a six-point action plan:

  1. Members send in information about good and bad working conditions behind the scenes.
  2. The unions compile an authoritative report, using information supplied by members, describing working conditions they experience and making the case for improvements. The report will be sent to managers, funding bodies and the press.
  3. The unions draft standards of good practice based on the information collected on good conditions.
  4. The unions call on funding bodies to withhold public funds from venues that do not commit themselves to improving conditions behind the scenes.
  5. The unions seek to widen support for the campaign from the Musicians Union, the Theatres Trust and the Association of British Theatre Technicians.
  6. The unions meet with employers - including SOLT/TMA, the Independent Theatres Council, CORCA, BBC, ITV, PACT - to explain the nature of the campaign and the concept of union-approved venues.
The campaign originated in the theatres sector, where BECTU Arts & Entertainment official Willy Donaghy says it is already clear that many venues have unacceptable working conditions "and we know that these conditions are not limited to the theatre industry. Film and television industry workplaces, in particular location shoots, and some cinemas are among those where we have had reports of poor conditions".

BECTU and Equity will be working together to develop the idea of approved venues. Standards of good practice are being drafted and the unions are exploring the possibility of publishing a list of approved venues.

Members of the two unions are being asked to provide details of good and bad working conditions for the Behind the Scenes Campaign - such feedback should include:

  • Your name.
  • Workplace.
  • What was bad?
  • What was good?
  • Any other comments about the campaign.
Information should be sent to Willy Donaghy [email protected] Behind the Scenes Campaign at BECTU Head Office.
7 December 1999