Bectu has launched a campaign to improve the work/life balance for crews working on TV drama and comedy.
The union’s Work to Live Campaign aims to address issues of burnout, low morale and health problems facing people coping with the escalating demands of scripted TV production in the UK.
National secretary Spencer MacDonald calls for a “reset” of working practices, arguing that “the 24/7 film and TV culture is unrealistic and damaging to worker mental health”.
The union is set to resume talks with Pact next month after negotiatons broke down over the terms of the Pact/Bectu TV Drama Agreement, drawn up in 2017 to set out best practice for areas such as hours, rest breaks, travel time and dealing with complaints.
Last month, Bectu served Pact with six months’ notice to withdraw from the agreement, charging the producers’ membership body with failing to address wellbeing and health and safety concerns.
Bectu said the Work to Life Campaign is demanding a better work-life balance and seeking a set of agreed terms to create “lasting and meaningful change” for crew,
It sets out its ambitions in a five-point plan, which invites anyone working in drama – whether they are a union member or not - to join its TV Drama Action Network.
It also urges crew to sign its online campaign and promote it with leaflets, stickers and badges, share details of best and worst practice, and to spread the word with fellow crew members.
