Conference 2002 proposals issued

Policy and Rule proposals for BECTU's Conference have been issued.

BECTU's Branches and NEC (National Executive Committee) have tabled proposals for this year's Annual Conference to be held in May at Manchester.

Beforehand BECTU Branches have until 25 March to put forward amendments to the proposed changes.

Both these amendments and the original proposals will be subject to debate and voting at Conference by Branch delegates from across the union.

Proposals for this year's Conference include:

• Tighter control over hours under the Working Time Directive.
• Establishing an industrial dispute fund.
• Compulsory contributions to stakeholder pensions by employers.
• NEC elections to become annual instead of every two years.
• The Vice-President and Treasurer to become elected by the membership.
• 'Job sharing' on union committees.
• Holding a members' referendum on continued Labour Party affiliation.
• The UK joining the Euro as soon as possible.

The union's Rules Revision and Annual Conference is being held at the Manchester Conference Centre on Saturday and Sunday 18 and 19 May 2002.

BECTU Branches are reminded they must notify Head Office of their Conference delegates by Friday 5 April 2002.

On Monday 20 May separate Conferences for the following Divisions of the union will also be taking place in Manchester:

• BBC
• Independent Broadcasting
• Arts and Entertainment

The Laboratories, London Production and Regional Production Divisions are expected to hold their Conferences later in the year at different venues.